Dr Ben Johnson, incoming Chair of United St Saviour’s Charity, pictured at the launch of the USTSC Rainbow Club in February 2025. (Photo: Benoit Grogan-Avignon)
United St Saviour’s Charity is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Ben Johnson as its new Chair of Trustees, following the successful tenure of outgoing Chair Stephen Burns. Stephen’s tenure spanned the opening of Appleby Blue, a landmark almshouse development offering high-quality, purpose-built homes for older residents, has been recognised as a pioneering model for age-friendly urban living. The charity also launched One Southwark during this time, a major new initiative to invest in young people’s potential across the borough.
Dr Johnson brings deep local knowledge, strategic insight, and long-standing commitment to the Southwark community, having served as a trustee for the past eight years and as Chair of the Community Investment Committee. A resident of Southwark since 2007 and a former local councillor, Ben is also Chief Editor of a public health journal and has over two decades’ experience in science communication and academic research.
“I am delighted to be taking over as Chair of United St Saviour’s Charity,” said Dr Ben Johnson. “My seven years as a trustee have seen huge changes, including building the award-winning Appleby Blue almshouse on Southwark Park Road, joining the Funding Differently grants with Community Southwark, and establishing One Southwark to mentor the next generation of young leaders. I look forward to continuing the excellent work of previous chairs Stephen Burns and Sir Richard Heaton, and building on our strengths in older people’s housing, investing in local communities and empowering young people.”
Outgoing Chair Stephen Burns, who served as Chair since 2021 and a trustee since 2016, oversaw one of the most transformative periods in the charity’s long history.
“During my time we completed Appleby Blue, started a new research function, launched One Southwark, took on the Helen Peele Cottages, and relocated our head office,” said Stephen.
“Most recently, we secured a five-year funding partnership that will ensure One Southwark goes from strength to strength. My time at United St Saviour’s has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve worked in Southwark for over 30 years, and it’s been an honour to be associated with such a local anchor organisation. I leave the charity in great hands and welcome Ben as the new Chair. I know the board, staff and colleagues and Ben will continue to steward this great organisation to even greater heights.”
Under Stephen’s leadership, United St Saviour’s has significantly expanded its impact across Southwark, particularly in older people’s housing and community investment.
“Stephen led the charity during probably one of its most transformative periods in our almost five-hundred-year history,” said Martyn Craddock, Chief Executive of United St Saviour’s Charity.
Stephen Burns, outgoing Chair of United St Saviour’s Charity, pictured with The Lord Best OBE DL at the official opening of Appleby Blue almshouse, Bermondsey, May 2024. (Photo: Benoit Grogan-Avignon)
“From steering us through our first bank loan to navigating the pandemic, and from launching One Southwark to strengthening our community investment work, he has been a calm and steadying Chair throughout a time of great change and achievement.”
Looking ahead, Dr Johnson’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment. He will guide the charity as it prepares to launch its new 10-year strategic vision, building on its proven strengths in housing, grant-making, and community engagement.
“Ben’s deep knowledge of Southwark – from grassroots to strategic policy level – will bring invaluable perspective to the role,” “Ben’s appointment comes at a time of real momentum for the charity,” Martyn continued.
“We’ve recently been shortlisted for RIBA’s Client of the Year, while Appleby Blue has won a prestigious RIBA National Award and is a finalist for the RIBA Neave Brown Award for Housing – a recognition of the best affordable housing schemes in the UK.”
“These recognitions reflect the visionary leadership of our trustees and the quality of what we’re delivering for the people of Southwark. Ben’s experience, local knowledge, and thoughtful leadership will guide us through the next phase, including the launch of our new 10-year strategic vision.”
Residents celebrating the official opening of the award-winning almshouse, Appleby Blue, May 2024. (Photo: Benoit Grogan-Avignon)
A recent independent survey also revealed 95% satisfaction among almshouse residents – positioning United St Saviour’s in the top performance quartile nationally. The charity continues to serve around 130 residents across four sites and support thousands more in the area through grants, partnerships, and advocacy.
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