Mark Gifford is to step down as chief executive of the body that runs the National Citizen Service. 

Gifford, who joined the NCS Trust in March 2020 after 20 years at the retailer the John Lewis Partnership, said he was taking up a role closer to his home in north-west England. 

He will leave in the autumn to become chief executive of a yet-to-be-announced housing association in Oldham. 

The trust, which was established as a royal charter body in 2018, said that under Gifford’s leadership, the National Citizen Service scheme had been “transformed into a year-round offer, delivered through a network of over 200 frontline youth sector organisations”. 

The organisation said: “The trust’s running costs have been reduced year on year under Mark’s leadership, showing a focus on value for money, and youth voice has been implemented across the organisation, with young people shaping and influencing the direction of NCS.

Harris Bokhari, chair of the NCS Trust, said Gifford had played a "pivotal role in advancing the trust’s strategy and vision".

He said: “Mark will leave NCS in a much stronger position with more young people engaged in a portfolio of experiences and on a solid footing managing public money efficiently."

Gifford said: “My time at NCS Trust has been incredibly rewarding as we have developed a new strategy and built our reputation for delivering transformed experiences for young people. 

“I will look back fondly on being part of this journey helping young people boost their prospects in life thanks to their involvement in NCS experiences. 

“To help them become work ready and world ready has been a huge honour.”

The NCS was introduced by then-Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011, with the promise that it would provide youth activities and excursions for thousands of young people every year. More than £1.5bn has been spent on the scheme.