Affinity Trust Announces Retirement of CEO Leo Sowerby in Spring 2025

Affinity Trust announces the upcoming retirement of our CEO, Leo Sowerby, who will be stepping down in the spring of 2025 after 18 years of remarkable service and leadership.

Since taking on the role, Leo has been a guiding force behind Affinity Trust’s purpose of supporting people with learning disabilities in living fulfilling, independent lives. His tenure has been marked by a relentless commitment to person-centred support, a strong belief in every person's potential, and a drive to ensure people have access to opportunities and resources to live meaningful lives.

A Legacy of Leadership and Impact

Under Leo’s leadership, Affinity Trust has tripled the number of people supported by the organisation and enhanced the quality of its support to become a trusted provider in the sector. His focus on innovation, inclusion, and collaboration has left a lasting impact on our organisation and the wider field of adult social care.

He has been instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by changes in social care funding, the Covid-19 pandemic, workforce pressures, and the growing demand for services. His ability to steer Affinity Trust through these complexities while maintaining our core values has been truly inspiring.

Looking to the Future

As Leo prepares to retire after working 52 years in the social care sector, the Board of Trustees have begun the search for a new CEO who will continue to build on his legacy. This leadership transition will be carefully managed to ensure the continuity of our work and continued support for the people and communities we serve.

Leo has expressed deep appreciation for the dedicated staff, partners, and stakeholders who have been part of this journey. "It has been an honour to lead Affinity Trust and to work alongside so many passionate people committed to making a difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities," he said. "While I am excited for the next chapter of my life, I will always cherish my time at Affinity Trust and the incredible progress we’ve made together."

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we approach Leo’s retirement, we will be celebrating his contributions to Affinity Trust and the wider social care sector. We invite everyone—staff, partners, and those we support—to join us in expressing our gratitude for his years of dedicated service.

Stay tuned for further updates on our leadership transition and upcoming events to honour Leo’s achievements. We look forward to continuing our work with the same commitment and passion that Leo has instilled in all of us.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a comprehensive CV along with a covering letter which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria.

The preferred method of application is online at Odgers Berndtson