NCS Trust chief Michael Lynas to step down

Lynas helped to establish NCS Trust in 2009 and since then organisation has put nearly 600,000 young people through the programme, according to the trust.

During his tenure, he secured NCS's long-term future by guiding it through the NCS Act and Royal Charter, both of which were passed with cross-party support in parliament.

Lynas has faced challenges, with the trust recently losing a major regional provider over a disagreement about the IT system, as well as difficulties meeting recruitment targets, which were later scaled back.

He became chief executive in 2013 and will remain in post until spring/summer 2020 while a new chief is recruited.

"It has been the privilege of my life to have led NCS over the last decade, as we have empowered almost 600,000 young people to build bridges across social divides and ladders to opportunity," said Lynas.

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"Just as I am ready for my next challenge, NCS is now ready for its next decade. 

"Our cross-party support is enshrined in legislation and protected by Royal Charter, we have a strong and experienced leadership team, and NCS 2.0 - our major recommissioning - has started to deliver with a fresh brand and a fantastic network of local partners that has doubled in size.

"NCS is brought to life by thousands of inspirational colleagues working up and down the country, not to mention the young people who choose the programme. I want to thank every one of them for their passion and purpose.

"NCS is a lifelong passion for me and while I am proud to hand NCS on to my successor in great shape in 2020, I will continue to champion the values and mission of NCS Trust as founder and patron."

Trust chair Brett Wigdortz, who founded education charity Teach First, paid tribute to Lynas's passion as having "not only brought a new idea into the world, but allowed it to flourish as something amazing".

He added: "On behalf of everyone at NCS Trust, I would like to thank him for his leadership and for continuing to serve into 2020 while we select the right person to lead the second decade of NCS."

Chair of NCS Patrons, former Prime Minister David Cameron, said: "Michael's public service has helped to establish a new national institution - an achievement of which he should be justifiably proud."