Dominic Arnall, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, to stand down

Dominic Arnall, Chief Executive of LGBT+ young people’s charity Just Like Us, is leaving the charity this February after three years at the helm.

Under his stewardship, the charity has grown rapidly, with one in two secondary schools across the UK now taking part in at least one of Just Like Us’ programmes.

Arnall led the charity through the pandemic, bucking the trend for furloughing staff and instead focusing on the charity’s digital capability, developing an education platform that gives teachers access to LGBT+ inclusive resources. The School Diversity Week resources platform is now in use by more than 5,000 schools across the UK. 

As Chief Executive, he oversaw the development of their new communications function, which in turn developed partnerships with national media including Gay Times, giving LGBT+ young people platforms to speak in their own words about their experiences. 

Arnall also oversaw the release of their groundbreaking research report, Growing Up LGBT+, raising awareness of the disproportionately challenging experiences of LGBT+ young people, the first comparative study of its kind in the UK.

He will leave his position as Chief Executive at Just Like Us in February 2023 and Amy Ashenden will take over as Interim CEO.

The charity is working alongside Starfish to recruit a permanent Chief Executive.

Dominic Arnall said: “Leading Just Like Us has been one of the great privileges of my career. I would like to thank the team, who are one of the most capable and dedicated groups of people I’ve ever been lucky enough to work with. I have no doubt they will continue to scale this organisation to reach more and more LGBT+ young people across the UK, giving them the education and support so many of us didn’t get and many more still aren’t getting. 

“I would also like to thank the board of trustees for their support, in particular the Chair, Daniel Gerring, who works tirelessly to support LGBT+ people throughout the world and has provided a constant source of inspiration throughout my time at Just Like Us.

“I remain a huge supporter of the vital work Just Like Us does and look forward to hearing about their next steps over the coming years.”

Just Like Us’ Chair of Trustees, Daniel Gerring, said: “Dominic has been instrumental in developing Just Like Us into the incredible organisation it is today. Despite the challenges faced by many across the sector over the last few years, Just Like Us has thrived, proving the need – and appetite – for this work has never been stronger. The board and I wish Dominic well on his next steps and thank him for his dedication throughout his time at Just Like Us.

We are working hard to appoint a fantastic successor to continue Dominic’s excellent legacy of broadening Just Like Us’ reach to help more LGBT+ young people than ever to thrive.”