Justin Humphreys has resigned as joint chief executive of Christian safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight after a decade in the role.

In a statement issued by the charity, Humphreys said it had been an “honour and privilege” to serve the organisation for so long.

“Thirtyone:eight has become the ‘go to’ organisation for safeguarding support across an ever-widening landscape,” he said. “Consequently, we have been able to positively affect the lives of countless thousands of people, whether directly or indirectly. It has been a joy to lead this organisation.”

Humphreys added that, as a leader, it can be difficult to know when to move on.

“One of the hardest decisions for a leader to make is knowing when to leave,” he said. “This is a departure on good terms at a time that I believe is right, both for myself and the charity.”

Joint chief executive Steve Ball said serving alongside Humphreys had been an “immense privilege”.

“I’m deeply grateful to have worked with someone whose passion and commitment to protecting people from harm and creating safer places for all has been evident in everything he does,” he said. “He leaves with our full blessing, and we wish him every success for the future. Justin departs with the organisation in a strong position, and I look forward to continuing to support the Board as we enter a new phase of our journey together.”

Peter Wharrad, chair of the trustees, said Humphreys’ dedication to safeguarding had been “evident in his contributions to government inquiries, his writing and speaking, and his representation of the charity among our many partners and networks”.

“It has been a great pleasure to work alongside him,” he added. “As the organisation prepares for a leadership transition, our vision remains clear: to work towards a world where every child and adult can feel, and be, safe.”