County Durham transport charity begins recruitment as CEO plans to retire

Supportive, a Ferryhill-based transport and social care charity, is recruiting for a new chief executive after John Davison announced he will step down in 2026.

Supportive, a transport and social care charity based in Ferryhill, has opened a recruitment drive after its chief executive, John Davison, announced he will step down in 2026. Davison has served as CEO since 2012 and has led a period of growth for the organisation. The charity now operates more than 20 ambulances, has a team of 50 ambulance crew members and employs over 160 homecare staff across County Durham. Supportive was established in 1994 and delivers much of its work through agreements with local authorities and the NHS, supplemented by charitable funding. Key details: - John Davison, 65 and from Yarm, will retire in 2026 after 14 years as chief executive. - Supportive is based in Ferryhill and has expanded to more than 20 ambulances and a team of 50 ambulance crew members. - The charity employs over 160 homecare staff providing services from emergency support for hospital leavers to specialist reablement care. - Much of the organisation’s work is delivered through service level agreements with local authorities and the NHS, and charitable funds have been used for extra support such as donating six washing machines to service users. - The board says it is seeking a successor with strong financial skills and the ability to lead staff; the recruitment process is now underway and the incoming CEO will help shape the next stage of growth. Summary: The organisation is preparing for leadership change after a period of operational expansion under Mr Davison. The board has launched a search for a new chief executive with financial and people-management experience to guide the charity into its next phase.