St John’s CEO, Catharine Brown, steps down from role.

It is with regret we are announcing today that the CEO of St John’s Foundation Catharine Brown is stepping down after almost 3 years with the charity.

Having joined St John’s Foundation in 2023 as a trustee, Catharine became CEO in 2024. Under her leadership and guidance, Catharine refocused the charity on its core charitable purpose, providing almshouse accommodation to older adults in need in Bath and the local area, including launching exciting plans to expand the number of homes available within the charity’s community in the city centre.

Catharine continued our commitment to programmes for the wider community, supporting families in crisis and other charities that help them.  The House of St John’s business is also flourishing, welcoming more couples to get married in our beautiful building at 1 Queen Square, alongside our thriving events space and co-working facilities.

Catharine says:

“I have loved my time at St John’s, working alongside our talented staff team who show care for our residents and those in the wider community that we support every day. I would especially like to thank my executive team – our Director of Operations, Laura Alexander, and our Interim Finance Director, Jo Killip.

I will be enjoying a well-earned rest for the remainder of the summer, while continuing in my role as Chair of the South West regional grants committee at BBC Children in Need.”

The Board of Trustees of St John’s Foundation adds:

“We are sad to see Catharine leaving and want to thank her for her leadership and the extensive contribution she has made to the charity during her tenure.

She is rightly proud of everything she has achieved in this time, including returning the charity to its core purpose of providing almshouse accommodation for older people in need in our community. The plans for our new almshouse are progressing well with planning permission now granted, our office based staff have settled into their new space at 1 Queen Square and our refreshed brand is now live. We wish Catharine well for the future and thank her for her significant contribution”.

An announcement in respect of the new CEO will be made in due course.