Julie Parker to retire after 20 years at Penhaligon’s Friends

When Julie Parker joined Penhaligon’s Friends in May 2006, there were three people on the team.

Next spring she retires as Chief Executive of Penhaligon’s Friends, Cornwall’s child bereavement charity, after 20 years supporting bereaved children and families across the county. And the search for the person who will follow her is already under way.

A celebration at the AGM

Julie’s milestone was marked at the charity’s recent Annual General Meeting. Patron Dame Annette Egerton was there, alongside former trustees and chairs Jenny Doble and Brenda Bailey, to recognise her contribution and the way the charity has grown under her leadership.

Dr Alison Stephens, Chair of Trustees, said: “We are so thankful for Julie’s incredible service and commitment over the past two decades. She has led the charity from where she found it into the larger, stronger, more active and effective organisation it is today. Her commitment and leadership have made a tremendous difference to the lives of children and families across Cornwall.”

From a team of three

Julie started as Family Services Coordinator. As referrals rose and services expanded to meet demand, she became Family Services Manager in 2009, then moved up to Chief Executive a few years later.

Over that time the charity has grown so it can reach more young people and respond to families going through the death of someone special.

Penhaligon’s Friends was founded in 1995 and has supported more than 13,000 children and their families across Cornwall since then. The past year has been its busiest ever, with more than 1,300 young people receiving support.

Could you be the next Chief Executive?

Trustees are now recruiting a new Chief Executive to work alongside the charity’s staff and volunteers. The role is full-time (37.5 hours a week) and based in Redruth, leading a team of ten staff and more than 50 volunteers.

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 22 November. Assessment and interviews are planned for early December, with the new Chief Executive expected to start in March 2027. The successful candidate will need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

The candidate pack, application form and equal opportunities form are on the Penhaligon’s Friends Chief Executive vacancy page. Anyone wanting an informal chat about the job can speak to Alison or Julie, with contact details in the candidate pack. General enquiries go to [email protected] or 01209 210624.

“The demand for Penhaligon’s Friends’ services continues to grow, and we are conducting a thorough recruitment process to find our next CEO,” Alison said. “We will be very sad to wave goodbye to Julie next year, but this is an excellent opportunity for someone with the right skills and experience to build on her legacy, leading this small but mighty charity, our team of ten staff and small army of volunteers into the future.

“We want to ensure our service continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of young people and their families in every part of Cornwall after they lose someone special, as we walk alongside them on their journey through grief.”