Kisharon Langdon boss is finalist in prestigious national Third Sector awards
Richard Franklin one of just seven people shortlisted for the Chief Executive Award
Kisharon Langdon’s Richard Franklin has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Chief Executive Award at the Third Sector Awards, one of the UK’s most prestigious recognitions of excellence in the charity and voluntary sector.
Franklin is one of just seven CEO’s nationally to be shortlisted for the award, which recognises outstanding leadership and exceptional contribution to an organisation and the wider sector.
He joined the learning disabilities and autism charity in 2013, becoming chief executive in 2018 and group chief executive following the merger with Langdon in 2023.
Most notably, Franklin 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 support from education through to supported living and adult services. The merger of the two charities also enabled savings of more than double the projected £500,000.
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.”
In response, 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.