Helen Sanson to step down as The Switch CEO

11th February 2025

After 22 years of service, Helen Sanson has decided to step down as our CEO and will leave The Switch at the end of February 2025 for a new challenge. Megan Hunter, Deputy CEO, will be taking over as Acting CEO. The Board of Trustees will consider the long-term position of the CEO and will provide relevant updates in due course.

Since starting as CEO in 2013, Helen has led The Switch passionately and has been the driving force behind our mission to level the playing field and give every child the chance to live to their full potential. During Helen’s time as CEO, she has led The Switch through 20^th, 25^th and 30^th anniversary years, the navigation – and recovery – of the pandemic, a rebrand and many years of The Big Half relay team.

About her time at The Switch, Helen said: “It has been an immense privilege to lead this organisation and to work in Tower Hamlets—a small but mighty borough and a special place to work.

Leaving The Switch was not an easy decision. It has been my professional home for over two decades, and in that time, I have seen extraordinary change—not just within our organisation, but across the entire landscape of education and careers policy. We have navigated shifting government priorities, embraced new ways of working, and remained steadfast in our mission to connect young people with opportunities that broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations.

None of this would have been possible without the brilliant team at The Switch. Their dedication, creativity, and relentless commitment to our young people are what make this organisation such a special place to work. There are so many examples of innovative projects and collaborations over the years, but I am particularly proud of playing a part in developing Abacus, our family financial literacy programme with Lloyd’s of London, and also The Journey Programme with JP Morgan. 

I am deeply grateful to the incredible volunteers who have given their time and expertise so generously, and to our many partner businesses, whose support and collaboration have been vital in creating meaningful experiences for thousands of young people. I would also like to mention a special set of volunteers – the trustees. They have been a great source of support to me and the team over the years and have guided and shaped my development as a charity leader.

While a change in leadership can be challenging, I truly believe it is also good for organisations. The Switch is in a very strong position, and I know that under Megan’s leadership as Acting CEO, it will go from strength to strength while the recruitment process for my successor gets underway.

I leave with nothing but love and admiration for this charity and the people who make it what it is. It is hard to put into words what working here has meant to me. It will always have a very special place in my heart, and I look forward to seeing The Switch continue to thrive in the years ahead.”

Mark Campbell, Chair of Trustees, said: “On behalf of all the trustees of The Switch I would like to thank Helen for her many years of service – including 12 years as CEO/Director. We wish her well in her new role. She leaves behind her a very strong organisation with a vital role to play in the lives of young people in East London and elsewhere and we are confident that The Switch will go from strength to strength in the future. The trustees will be working closely with Acting CEO, Megan Hunter, to ensure a seamless transition for all our stakeholders.”