Catherine Johnstone is a distinguished leader in the charity sector, known for her extensive contributions to voluntary service and suicide prevention.

Catherine began her career as a trained nurse in the NHS, where she developed a strong foundation in frontline service delivery. Her passion for helping others and her commitment to healthcare laid the groundwork for her future roles in the charity sector

Catherine has over 25 years of experience in the third sector, having held several key leadership positions. She served as the Chief Executive of Samaritans for nearly seven years, where she was instrumental in developing a long-term strategy that positioned the organization as a leader in suicide prevention and postvention services in the UK. Her efforts in this role earned her a CBE in 2016 for services to suicide prevention.

In August 2017, Catherine joined the Royal Voluntary Service as Chief Executive. Under her leadership, the organization has undertaken numerous large-scale initiatives to support the NHS and communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her innovative approach and dedication to voluntary action have significantly enhanced the impact of the Royal Voluntary Service

She has also worked in the asylum and refugee support sector, an experience she describes as exceptionally humbling and challenging. Her diverse background and unwavering commitment to service have made her a respected figure in the charity sector.