Ben Summerskill steps down as Stonewall boss

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jan/23/ben-summerskill-steps-down-stonewall-boss

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The gay rights charity Stonewall has announced that Ben Summerskill is to step down as its chief executive after 11 years in the post.

He has been heavily involved in a number of campaigns to secure legal equality for gay people in Britain, including section 28 repeal, goods and services protections, civil partnerships and marriage equality.

During his time at Stonewall, the charity's staffing has increased from 20 to 75 and annual income has risen from £1.3m to more than £4.2m.

Summerskill said: "The fact that Stonewall's workplace programme now engages the employers of 10 million people, and one in three local authorities in Britain now work with us to tackle homophobic bullying in schools, is testament to some of the fantastic teamwork I've been lucky enough to be involved with."

His deputy, Ruth Hunt, will become acting chief executive until Stonewall's board appoints a permanent replacement.

Hunt tweeted: "Proud to carry on @BenSummerskill's legacy. #Lotstodo in Britain and around world to end homophobia and biphobia. Roll up your sleeves folks."

In a statement she said: "As a leadership team, our priority will be to maintain the momentum Ben has built up over the last 11 years so that we continue to see significant progress in these areas. I've worked side by side with Ben over the last eight years, and will be delighted and honoured to step into the role of acting chief executive."