9th February 2022

Chief Executive Brigadier James Stopford CBE to Resign from The Not Forgotten.

Brigadier James Stopford CBE

James Stopford has advised the trustees of The Not Forgotten Association that he will resign as Chief Executive of the charity on 30^th April 2022.

James joined The Not Forgotten in April 2016 and has led the charity through many important changes including the writing and delivery of a strategy to take us through our centenary and beyond, the development of new partnerships, a Theory of Change Measurement of Impact study, a review and update of our governance and operating procedures and policies, a redesign of the charity’s image and publicity, the improvement in our use of social media and an increase in the public awareness of the our work.

James led the charity through the difficulties of the pandemic and demonstrated that this was the time to do yet more for those veterans who suffer from loneliness and isolation. Under his leadership The Not Forgotten touched the lives of more veterans than ever before at a time when some charities were reducing their activities. This was achieved through several initiatives including the Forgot You Not goody boxes sent to over 2,500 WW2 veterans, the weekly on line show (which had over 90,000 viewings) and the 688 check in telephone calls to veterans as well as the outdoor concerts at care homes and at venues around the country.

During our centenary celebrations, HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of The Not Forgotten, spoke on several occasions about the achievements of the charity. Of note she spoke movingly about its recent achievements and its continued relevance, much of it delivered during James’ tenure as Chief Executive.

The last six years have been a busy, and with the pandemic, testing time and under James’ leadership, The Not Forgotten has worked for more veterans than any time in its history and is seen as playing an increasingly important role in the care of those who have served the country and who now need help.

The trustees are grateful to James for his work over the last six years in enhancing the work of The Not Forgotten and wish him well for the future.