29/05/2026
Today marks an end of an era in FARE as our current Depute CEO Paul Humphreys' time with us comes to an end. As he moves on to pastures new, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight the journey he has undertaken with FARE and pay tribute to the impact he has made in our project since he began working with us, almost 20 years ago.
Before we look at the Paul Humphreys who began working here all those years ago, it has to be acknowledged that Paul's relationship with FARE began somewhat earlier than that. Paul's relationship with FARE started when he was a young boy, growing up in the Easterhouse and attending FARE's club's, trips and activities. These experiences would live long in Paul's memory and the opportunity to join the FARE staff team all those years ago have been the catalyst for Paul to become an influential and well respected Community Worker in the east end of Glasgow.
From working in clubs, supporting young people in schools to gain qualifications, undertaking work to tackle social issues such as knife crime, violence and poverty, Paul's work has touched the lives of so many young people and families. Indeed, this can be seen in the many success stories of young people and adults he has worked with across the years. To this day, not a day goes by without the shout of "your Paul from FARE aren't you? Do you remember me? I did my Duke of Edinburgh Award with you when I was at school..." Countless young people have uttered those words and, no doubt, there will be countless more who speak those same words in the years to come!
However, Paul's reach doesn't just extend to the work he has done in communities with young people and families alike. In his many roles he has undertaken with FARE, Paul has been a positive influence on many fellow community workers, students, apprentices and trainees - exuding the professional qualities and attributes that set standards for the current and future generations of community workers to come. A testimony to himself is the fact that whilst working full time and juggling home life and a young family, Paul strived to push himself to new heights, achieving his Honours Degree in Community Education.
Paul's journey with FARE continued, undertaking positions in our organisation from Youth Integration Officer to More Choices More Chances Officer, Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator to Attainment and Skills Manager and then onto FARE Scotland's Depute then Acting CEO. There hasn't been many roles in our organisation that Paul hasn't undertaken! The experience and professionalism that Paul retains has also taken him on to become a valued member of the Community Learning and Development Standards Council for Scotland. A responsibility that Paul has never taken lightly, working hard to promote the values and ethics of community-based work whilst also acknowledging the unique circumstances that each individual faces every day of their lives.
Whilst the work and achievements that Paul has made in his time at FARE will live long in the memories of the all of those individuals and colleagues whose lives he has touched, it is but a new chapter in his life and career that he is about to undertake. It is a step not to be met with sadness or a tear, but a new opportunity and a new beginning, where Paul can take his passion and commitment for the values of community work to new heights, imparting his knowledge, experience and professionalism within a new community and enabling other individuals and families to benefit from his expertise.
While the last 20 years have had many highs as well as challenges, we take this opportunity to pay tribute to Paul, everything he has achieved and the legacy he leaves behind at FARE. We would all like to wish Paul, his family and his new organisation, all the best of luck and success in the future. Paul, you may have moved on to pastures new, but you have always had and always will, have a place in the heart of the FARE family.
