Kisharon Langdon Group CEO Richard Named Finalist in National Third Sector Awards

One of just seven leaders shortlisted for the Chief Executive Award

Kisharon Langdon is delighted to announce that its Group Chief Executive, Richard Franklin, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Chief Executive Award at the highly respected Third Sector Awards, one of the UK’s most prestigious recognitions of excellence in the charity and voluntary sector.

Richard is one of just seven chief executives nationally to be shortlisted for the award, which recognises outstanding leadership and exceptional contribution to an organisation and the wider sector.

The recognition follows a landmark year for Kisharon Langdon under Richard’s leadership. Having joined Kisharon in 2013, becoming Chief Executive in 2018 and Group Chief Executive following the merger with Langdon in 2023, Richard has led the creation of a unique organisation supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people throughout every stage of life.

Most notably, Richard spearheaded the merger of Kisharon and Langdon, recognised as the UK’s second-largest non-profit merger, creating a £25 million organisation that now provides seamless support from education through to supported living and adult services. A key impetus for merging the two charities was also driving efficiencies and impacts which have enabled savings of more than double the projected £500,000 in back-end office costs.

During his leadership, Kisharon Langdon has achieved outstanding results, including:

• Outstanding ratings across education and supported living services
• A 30% increase in voluntary income
• A 19% increase in statutory funding
• A record £4.6 million raised in the last year
• Delivery of 10 of 12 major post-merger integration objectives
• Significant cost savings while improving staff engagement and service quality

Richard’s leadership has also been characterised by a strong focus on culture and people. Through regular town halls, staff forums, recognition programmes and highly visible leadership across the organisation’s services, he has fostered a values-led culture that is reflected in independent staff engagement and culture survey results showing increased trust, communication and engagement.

Philip Goldberg, Co-Chair of Kisharon Langdon, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled that Richard has been recognised on a national stage. Being shortlisted as one of only seven finalists in the Third Sector Awards is a tremendous achievement and richly deserved.
The merger would never have happened without Richard. His vision, determination and ability to bring people together created something the Jewish community had needed for many years – an organisation that can support people with learning disabilities throughout their lives. The impact of that achievement on our community is unparalleled.”

Richard Franklin said:

“I am honoured to be shortlisted for this award. This recognition belongs to the incredible colleagues, volunteers, trustees, supporters and families who have worked together to make Kisharon Langdon what it is today. Everything we have achieved has been driven by our shared commitment to enabling people with learning disabilities and autistic people to live fulfilling, independent and meaningful lives.”

The winners of the Third Sector Awards will be announced later this year.