AutoRaise CEO Bob Linwood is stepping down from his role as the charity is forced to adapt its cost base following the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

During a “very difficult” 2020, the trustees of the charity have maintained diligent oversight, meeting regularly to ensure the right decisions are made in the interests of the charity and the industry it serves. 

Dave Sargeant, AutoRaise chairman, said: “In the last year the trustees and I have been strategically adapting the structure and cost base of the charity with the aim of enabling more positive action in 2021 and beyond.

“During this period AutoRaise, like many others, has been affected by the current pandemic. We recognised the need to make significant changes to the cost base for it to remain sustainable for the future.

“It has therefore been decided with regret that the role of CEO be made redundant. Bob was one of the originators of the charity, so while we are all sad to lose him, this decision is in the charity’s best interests.”

Linwood held the post for four years and will continue to support the charity on a voluntary basis.

He added: “Since the original Trustees and I commenced activities in late 2015, seeing the need and the potential to do something positive to address the chronic skills crisis, we have made incredible headway and I am very proud of what has been achieved.  

“We have well and truly put the industry’s skills issues on the map and released the potential in some great repairer businesses to create apprentice opportunities.”

The charity seeks to build on existing and new relationships with the focused aim of advancing education and training and working with employers to encourage an increase in the number of apprentice schemes available to young people in the body repair industry.

In this interim period Steve Thompson will oversee operations of the charity’s activities working with Bob to ensure continuity of our support for partners, employers, and apprentices.