Pamela Goldsmith stepped down this week at the Movement for Reform Judaism after three years directing its community development projects.

Ms Goldsmith, who has more than 20 years' experience in private consulting, said she "wished to return to a role that I thoroughly enjoyed - my reasons were not financial".

She added: "I've had a combination of highlights here, working with students and helping communities engage our young people in a transitional time." Senior movement rabbi, Laura Janner-Klausner, said that New Zealand-born Ms Goldsmith's responsibilities would now be shared among the leadership until a successor was recruited in the autumn.

A spokesman added: "We shall miss Pam's expertise and would particularly pay tribute to the outstanding work she has done in strengthening relationships between the movement and its constituent communities and in bringing the staff and students of the Leo Baeck College closer to the movement."