‘It’s been an absolute honour’: Hackney CVS chief to step down after 14 years

Hackney CVS boss Jake Ferguson has announced with a “heavy heart” that he is moving on at the end of August after two decades with the organisation and 14 years at its helm.

Ferguson is set to become the chief executive of a new national Black civil rights charity – the name of which he will reveal later in the year.

Hackney CVS is an umbrella body for the the borough’s voluntary sector, providing training, advice and support to local organisations.

In a message to the community, Ferguson said: “It has been an absolute honour to serve the borough for the last 20 years.

“It has been a truly humbling yet powerful experience, especially given Hackney is such a progressive borough in terms of its approach to working with the voluntary and community sector as well as its commitment to tackling racism and inequality in ways that truly empower local communities.”

Since he joined Hackney CVS in 2001, Ferguson has been involved in shaping strategies such as Outcomes for Young Black Men, and in programmes that tackle youth unemployment, women’s issues and ageism.

More recently he has been outspoken about the the police’s use of stop and search and in his desire for more to be done to tackle health inequality.

In his time at the top, Ferguson has helped Hackney CVS grow from an annual turnover of £300k to over £3.5m.

He also established local charity Hackney Giving, whose Covid Response Fund had handed out £690k in grants by March this year.

Addressing his friends and colleagues in the voluntary sector, he added: “I have learnt so much from all of you. There are so many things I could mention but will save these for a later time before I go. What has made it all worthwhile is working alongside so many of you in the sector to achieve the goal of making Hackney a fairer place.

“I have grown up at Hackney CVS and I hope Hackney CVS will continue to always be there for you long into the future. Your work is incredible and it is our honour to serve you!”

Ferguson said the board is currently working with him on a succession plan, which may involve an interim appointment until a permanent replacement can be secured before the end of the year.