Community Security Trust chief executive Richard Benson has announced that he is to leave the charity after 12 years at the helm.

Under his leadership, CST, which provides security at Jewish events and communal buildings, and monitors antisemitic activity, has received praise and recognition for its work both in Britain and abroad.

Mr Benson said the role had been “challenging, but most of all it has simply been a privilege to head CST and champion its work.

“CST is rightly recognised as both a global leader in communal security work and a shining example of Anglo-Jewry at its best.”

Since taking on the job in 2001, he has led CST’s strategic planning and forged links with Scotland Yard and the Association of Chief Police Officers.

He is a member of the government’s taskforce on antisemitism and ran seminars at the prestigious conference organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Coalition for Combating Antisemitism in London in 2010.

David Delew, currently CST’s northern regional director, has been appointed to take over as chief executive.

He will begin work on September 27 following a three-month hand-over period.

CST chairman Gerald Ronson praised Mr Benson’s impact on communal life. He said: “His leadership and vision enabled CST to bring its charitable activities to the attention of the key political and media commentators, ensuring that our communal concerns are understood and acted upon.”

Mr Benson will now take up a position on the charity’s board and will also become a director at Mr Ronson’s Rontec petrol station forecourt company.