On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to offer our deepest thanks to Rachael for her remarkable leadership. Over more than a decade and a half, she has stewarded Saltmine with wisdom, courage and unwavering commitment to excellence, shaping and sustaining Faith Motivated Arts of the very highest quality. Rachael has led Saltmine as a theatre company, charity and ministry that has remained uncompromising in telling Christ’s story and communicating His love, hope and truth to audiences of all ages.

Under Rachael’s leadership, Saltmine has created and performed more than 60 productions between 2010 and 2026, reaching hundreds of thousands of people across the UK. Over 290,000 children and young people have engaged with Saltmine’s work through schools, including 150,000 secondary students exploring vital and often difficult issues such as knife crime, domestic abuse, mental wellbeing and online safety. Through imaginative and accessible storytelling, 30,000 primary aged children have been introduced to the Bible through Saltmine’s Rhyming Bible productions, while over 100,000 audience members have encountered messages of hope through Christmas productions alone.

Rachael’s vision and courage are perhaps most clearly seen in her pioneering of The Saltmine Passion Play, now performed in six major towns and cities, each drawing thousands and creating powerful moments of shared reflection, encounter and witness in public spaces. Alongside this, she has nurtured longstanding, values led partnerships with organisations including police forces, councils, churches, YMCA and national Christian ministries, working collaboratively with institutions that share a common purpose and commitment to social transformation.

Throughout her tenure, Rachael has also been a leader who has intentionally invested in diversity, championing the development and inclusion of underrepresented actors, creatives and voices, and ensuring Saltmine’s work reflects the richness, complexity and dignity of the communities it serves. Her leadership has opened doors, created opportunity, and modelled what it means to pursue excellence while remaining deeply attentive to justice, representation and belonging.

Across seasons of growth and challenge (including the unprecedented disruption of the COVID19 pandemic) Rachael has led with faith, resilience and grace, sustaining impact when it would have been easier to retreat. Her leadership has been marked by a deep pastoral heart for staff and freelancers, a relentless commitment to quality and professionalism, and a confidence that God would remain faithful to the work entrusted to Saltmine.

Rachael leaves Saltmine in a position of strength, with a gifted leadership team, a clear sense of purpose, and a legacy that will continue to shape lives for years to come. We thank God for her leadership, honour her obedience and courage, and give thanks for all she has poured into this organisation.

On behalf of the Board, I want to express our profound gratitude to Rachael and to assure her of our prayers and support as she prepares for her next chapter. Her impact on Saltmine and the countless lives reached through its work is immeasurable.

We are now delighted to share the news that, the Board of Trustees has appointed Martin Young as the next Chief Executive Officer of Saltmine.

This decision comes after extended reflection, conversations and formal interviews, and deep spiritual discernment involving the trustees, the leadership team, and Martin himself. Throughout this process, it has been evident that Martin brings an exceptional combination of creative expertise, spiritual depth, leadership experience, alongside a long‑standing connection to Saltmine's mission.

Trustees are particularly struck by Martin's openness, authenticity, and his willingness to consider both the creative opportunity and the weight of organisational responsibility of leading Saltmine. He spoke candidly about his sense of calling, his readiness to serve, and his desire to lead Saltmine with both faith and wisdom.

Please join us in welcoming Martin Young as he steps into this new chapter of leadership. We are excited and expectant for all that lies ahead.