Justin Derbyshire

Chief Executive officer

Justin brings over 20 years of experience in the third sector to the role. He most recently served as CEO of HelpAge International, a role he held for seven years until stepping down in August 2023.

He led the organisation to champion the rights of older people around the world, develop long term solutions to population ageing and respond to humanitarian emergencies in countries such as Nepal, Ukraine, Syria, Ethiopia and Myanmar. He drove the strategic review of the organisation and the development of its current ten-year strategy which launched in 2020. This shifted the organisation from a traditional NGO delivery model to working with, through and for a global network of over 170+ organisations in 91 countries.

He frequently represented HelpAge International at meetings, including the G20, UN, the OECD, World Health Assembly, and the Commission for Status of Women. He previously worked at Save the Children UK, where he headed up the East Africa regional team, and before that with Merlin in East and Central Africa and in London.

Justin was a Trustee of the International Civil Society Centre from 2020 – 2023. He is currently completing his Executive MBA and serves as a trustee for both Refuge and Restless Development. Justin brings extensive leadership experience and deep knowledge of the third sector to his role. 

“I know how important Haven House Children's Hospice is to the children and the families we support. I am excited about the coming months, and years, working with you to build on the strong foundation that you have helped create.”