The chief executive of Sense has announced he is stepping down after 11 years at the disability charity.
Richard Kramer joined Sense in 2013 as its deputy chief executive, before being promoted to CEO in 2018.
Kramer plans to retire at the end of January 2025 and relocate to Cornwall, where he has been appointed as a non-executive director at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.
He has spent 40 years in the disability sector, from volunteering at a long stay hospital for people with a learning disability when he was at school, to setting up a youth club for disabled and non-disabled people in north London, to working at charities Mencap and Turning Point.
During his time at Sense, Kramer has led the charity through a period of growth including the expansion of its network of hubs across the country that combine specialist services with services for the whole community.
Charity Commission data shows Sense’s income has increased each year from £69.9m in the financial year ending 31 March 2020 to £86.5m in 2022-23.
Sense said it would now start recruiting for his successor.
‘It’s been a complete joy and privilege’
Kramer, who is also a trustee of ENEI and the CareTech Foundation, said: “I’ve had a wonderful and stimulating career at Sense.
“I have absolutely loved everything about it, working with the individuals we support, and our staff and volunteers. I love our cause, our ambition, and our successes.
“I would never have dreamed of being the chief executive of Sense and it’s been a complete joy and privilege. I have learned so much about myself through the children, adults, and families we support.
“I have thought long and hard about this decision. It feels like the right time for me to step away from Sense. I am moving home to Cornwall. I will have the opportunity to spend more time with my partner. Together, it’s our time to really dance with life.”
Speaking to Civil Society last year, Kramer said the biggest compliment he has ever received was when he spoke about his history of depression, recovery, and how it has made him a stronger and better leader.
‘He leaves the charity in a very strong position’
Justin Molloy, chair at Sense, said: “The board of trustees is very sad to see Richard leave but we understand and totally respect his decision to retire and relocate to Cornwall.
“Richard has been an outstanding CEO and has built a strong and value-based culture with the wellbeing of employees, volunteers, and the individuals we support at its core. He has driven the charity forward on many fronts and has steered us through Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis.
“He leaves the charity in a very strong position. We thank him for all that he has done for Sense.”
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