Dr Jan Sheldon, who has been in the role for eight years, believes it is a good time for her to "pass the baton" onto the next person ready to lead St Martins, a Norwich-based charity which was founded more than 50 years ago.

Chief Executive at St Martin's Housing, Jan Sheldon (Image: Sonya Duncan)

During her tenure, the charity acquired a 23-bed hostel on Thorpe Road in 2023 and she also held the civic position of Sheriff of Norwich around the same time.

The 58-year-old has also worked with the national organisation Homeless Link to develop an accredited qualification for the homelessness sector, which will be launched later this year.

Dr Jan Sheldon pictured here when she was the Sheriff of Norwich (Image: Supplied by St Martins)

She said: "It has been an enormous honour to lead the development of St Martins over the last few years.

"Early on in my career I was given the sage advice to only leave when you are proud of what you're leaving behind. I couldn't be prouder of St Martins now.

"St Martins is in great shape, the team are doing fantastically, and all systems and processes are working well so it seems a good time to pass the baton onto the next person fortunate enough to lead this amazing charity."

Dr Jan Sheldon when the organisation celebrated its 50th anniversary (Image: Supplied by St Martins)

Colin Bland, chairman of the organisation's trustees, said: "I would like to thank Jan for her dedication to the charity, which has meant that we are able to help so many people.

"She has been responsible for managing a team that goes above and beyond what can reasonably be expected of them and has enhanced the reputation of St Martins. 

"The standards the charity has achieved is a true testament to Jan's own work ethic."

St Martins began as a night shelter 54 years ago and has developed into the largest homelessness charity in the county, supporting around 300 people.

It has a range of hostels, residential care and shared homes in the city.

© Norwich Evening News