Homeless veterans charity chief executive steps down

A charity supporting homeless Armed Forces veterans across the North East and Liverpool is preparing for its next chapter following the retirement of its chief executive.

Launchpad chief executive Jill Murray stepped down at the end of August after two years leading a programme of organisational change.

Jill has a long-standing connection with the charity, having conceived the original veterans’ housing scheme in Byker in 2012 while chief executive of the housing association responsible for the Grade II*-listed Byker Estate.

Having initially retired in 2021, she returned to work in 2024 to lead Launchpad and introduce an ‘Agenda for Change’ focused on modernising the organisation, strengthening governance and laying foundations for its long-term leadership.

During her tenure, Launchpad has introduced a new risk and assurance framework, strengthened financial management and launched a quality and safety scorecard, alongside improvements to operational performance.

Jill also oversaw the development of the charity’s five-year strategy to 2030, created with residents, staff, trustees and partners.

The transformation programme, which was partly funded by the Veterans’ Foundation, was designed to put Launchpad on a stronger footing for its next phase of development.

Jill said: “Launchpad has been part of my life since 2012, when my idea for this charity first took shape in Byker.

“Coming back to lead it through this period of transformational change has been both extremely challenging and rewarding at the same time.

“I leave the charity knowing that I have achieved what I came here to do, and that was to prepare the organisation for the future, and to put it on a stronger financial footing, with a clear strategy and a talented team of dedicated staff.

“Our veterans deserve nothing less.”

Ian Dormer CBE, chair of the board at Launchpad, added: “Jill’s contribution to Launchpad cannot be overstated.

“She has been part of this charity from its very beginning, and her return in 2024 came at exactly the moment we needed her most.

“In two years she has transformed our governance, our finances and our strategic direction, and she leaves us in an exceptional position to support even more veterans in the years ahead.

“On behalf of the board, staff and residents, we thank her for everything that’s she has done for Launchpad.”

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