Stephen Edwards has stepped down from his role with the walking charity.

The chief executive of Living Streets has announced he is stepping down from the charity this year.

Stephen Edwards joined the UK walking charity in 2018 and has been its chief executive for the last three years. 

After considerable thought, he has decided to return to the world of public affairs and communications and will leave in May 2024.  

Mr Edwards said: “Living Streets is a brilliant organisation and I have been privileged to be its Chief Executive. I have thought long and hard about my future career. 

“With the organisation now in a more robust position, it is a good time to move on to a new chapter in my career.”

Recruitment for a permanent chief executive to replace Stephen is being led by Prospectus.

Dame Jane Roberts, chair of Living Streets, said: “Steve has made a brilliant contribution to Living Streets. 

“Our charitable income has increased despite a difficult economic context and we have continued to have significant impact in our quest to get people walking more.

“During his time at the helm, we have seen changes to the Highway Code to put pedestrians at the top of the road user hierarchy, a ban on pavement parking in Scotland and a default speed limit of 20mph rolled out on residential streets in Wales. He leaves us in a strong position and we warmly wish him well in his future career.”