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News & BlogThank you and farewell to CJA Director Annette So

Thank you and farewell to CJA Director Annette So

19th August 2025

Statement from the Board of Trustees

It is with a mix of gratitude and sadness that we announce the departure of our Director, Annette So, who will be stepping down from her role, following four and half years at the CJA.

Dr Gemma Birkett, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says:

Under Annette’s guidance, the CJA has extended its reach and increased its influence. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication and commitment to excellent leadership. She led the CJA to a place of strategic focus and worked tirelessly to ensure it is equipped to deal with future challenges. It has been a genuine privilege to work alongside Annette. Our next Director now has the exciting role of building on the strong foundation left by Annette, continuing to unite the sector in fighting for a fairer and more effective justice system.

Reflecting on her time at the CJA, Annette says

What a joy it has been to have worked alongside our ever-supportive trustees and the CJA team- it’s been enormously rewarding. I am certain that the CJA will thrive and continue to make positive impact, drawing on the collective power of its membership and the breadth of expertise of so many committed individuals and organisations across the sector. Thank you for the opportunity to lead and serve.

I’m excited to be joining The Hardman Trust as Chief Executive and look forward to continuing to contribute to this important cause as a CJA member!

AS photo 2021

Annette will continue in her role until November 2025. The Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will now begin the search for a new Director.

Click here for more information about this exciting opportunity.

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