The founders of Beyond the Streets have announced their decision to step down as co-directors ahead of the charity’s 25th anniversary.
Josephine Knowles and Mark Wakeling set up the charity, which supports women involved in the sex industry, in 1999 but said in a statement today that they “sensed it is time as co-founders to stand down”.
Knowles and Wakeling will stay in post as trustees, and applications for a new leader are set to open publicly in the coming months.
‘Much needed systemic change’
The outgoing directors said in a joint statement that they were thankful to the “amazing people, funders and organisations” that had helped the charity to grow since 1999.
“Nearly twenty-five years later, we have a great staff team and valued support base,” they said.
“All people who are playing a part to see a different world for the women we work alongside.
“As we approach this milestone, we have sensed it is time as co-founders to stand down and transition the leadership of the charity.
“On our request, the trustees have started the process of recruiting a new leader for the next stage in the organisation’s journey and we will start public recruitment over the coming months.
“In the meantime, we will be delivering our services as normal and ensuring women continue to get the support they need.
“We again want to thank you for your ongoing support of Beyond the Streets as we journey towards a new phase in our story.
“Together, with you our community of supporters, we’ll continue to work to achieve much-needed systemic change, support women to enable them to thrive and reach their self-determined goals, and give lived experience voices a platform.”
Alternative tours
In the year to August 2022, the charity’s income was £511,000, which included a £123,000 contract with Tower Hamlets council and a £122,000 grant from the Samworth Foundation.
Most of its £553,000 expenditure went on wages and salaries for its 16 employees, according to its latest accounts. The charity had 21 volunteers.
Beyond the Streets is inspired by Christian values and provides person-centred and trauma-informed support directly for women in east London and across the UK.
It offers an online alternative to Jack the Ripper tours offered to tourists in east London, focusing on the lives of the victims.
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