News from our Chief Executive

Crispin Truman OBE has announced he will be leaving The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) at the beginning of August to become Chief Executive Officer at the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

Crispin has served as Chief Executive at the CCT since 2003, during which time he has overseen several major redevelopment and conservation projects to secure the future of the 350 churches in its care.

He was awarded the OBE in the New Year's Honours list for services to the heritage sector.

“I am so proud of the achievements of CCT, our amazing staff, volunteers, members and partner organisations over the last 14 years.  Together we have not only protected and opened to the public the most fantastic collection of 350 beautiful historic churches, but also saved many more historic churches at risk, despite increasingly challenging financial times. 

“Without CCT, churches like St Mary’s Church in Freeby, at the centre of a tiny village in Leicestershire, the grand masonic-influenced St Edmund’s at Falinge in Rochdale and the landmark St Botolph’s on the South Downs, could have been lost.  We have returned churches to the heart of their community, attracted almost 2 million visitors a year, supported ever more volunteers in opening churches to the public and attracted increasing levels of vital donations and independent grant support.  

“In the last 14 years we have invested millions of pounds in the highest quality conservation repair and delivered multi-million pound regeneration projects, including All Souls in Bolton, Circomedia in Bristol, Quay Place in Ipswich and Canny Space in Sunderland. We have created UK and international networks and won the international Europa Nostra Award for dedicated service to heritage in 2015. 

“Our new consultancy service, membership and our popular Champing initiative are also now contributing to a strong and exciting future for the Trust and all who love our churches. I thank each of the thousands of people who have contributed to these achievements through their support of CCT.”

CCT Chairman, Peter Ainsworth added “Crispin has been a brilliant and inspirational Chief Executive of the Trust for many years. He leaves us in good shape. We are very sorry that he is going, but wish him all the best for the future.”

The process to appoint Crispin's successor as Chief Executive will begin shortly.