Following Stef Kay’s decision to retire with effect from 31 March 2025, the Trustee Board have embarked on a comprehensive process to find a fitting replacement who is able to continue Stef’s excellent work and progress the development of the organisation in line with our current strategic plan.

Our Board of Trustees considered the best way for Bethphage to orchestrate a person-centred recruitment campaign that aligned with our values and enabled us to identify a worthy successor.

The Board held interviews last week and they were delighted to inform you we unanimously agreed to offer Helen Nickless, our current Head of Operations, the position of Chief Executive Officer which she will begin on the 1st April 2025.

Helen has been with Bethphage for five-years, managing our operations team during some difficult times, including Covid-19 and various lockdowns. As a member of Bethphage’s Executive Management Team (EMT) she has worked closely with the Board, proving herself to be a passionate advocate of the mission, vision, values and culture of Bethphage.

During the next five months until Helen takes up her new role she will be heavily engaged in the recruitment of, and handover to, a new Head of Operations and then working with Stef to ensure a smooth hand over of the CEO role.

As a member of the EMT, Helen helped develop Bethphage’s 2024-28 Strategic Plan ‘Creating Sustainable Growth and Quality’. Her involvement in this puts her in an excellent position to continue to help implement and deliver Bethphage’s successful growth, with the support of the EMT.

Stef Kay commented:

‘It’s excellent news for Bethphage to have someone of Helen’s calibre and experience take the helm, she has been a great asset in the role of Head of Operations and I am pleased to be leaving the organisation in safe, person-centred hands.’

Helen Nickless said:

‘I am thrilled and honoured to take on the role of CEO after working as Head of Operations for the past five years. I look forward to continuing to work with our excellent EMT team to lead Bethphage in the coming years, drawing on my experience and perspective as both a professional and a parent carer. The values and mission of our charity are deeply meaningful to me, and I am incredibly proud of the work we do.

I have learned so much from Stef, whose leadership and vision has had a tremendous impact on me and the organisation, and I am committed to continuing the great work she has done and building on her legacy.
As we move forward, we are entering new and exciting times, poised for further growth and innovation. We will continue to support people with high quality person centred services and make a positive impact on our community.’