Denton Howard has dedicated two decades to INHOPE, first shaping its training programmes as Training Manager and later leading the organisation as Executive Director. As he embarks on a new chapter, we asked him to reflect on his journey, his impact, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

What inspired you to join INHOPE?

Initially, I was hired, but not truly inspired. Cormac Callanan brought me on to review, design, and build a training programme for the ‘Internet Hotline Providers Association in Europe,’ which later became INHOPE. My perspective shifted just a week later at the 2005 Autumn meeting in Athens, where I met the members and witnessed their collaborative efforts toward a shared goal. That experience was profoundly inspiring and changed everything for me. It was then I realised I was part of something much bigger, and that feeling has stayed with me ever since.

What are the most significant changes you’ve observed in child online safety over the years?

The exponential growth of mobile devices stands out as the most significant change. In 2005, the advice was to keep the PC in the living room, not the bedroom. By 2008, laptops became common, and by 2012, smartphones were both widely available and affordable. This rapid technological shift has drastically increased the ability of offenders to reach potential victims, presenting new challenges in child online safety.

What has motivated you to remain in the field for so long?

Working with smart, motivated people from around the world who are united by a common goal is an incredibly positive and energising experience. In child online safety, this shared commitment transcends cultures and does not fade. Personally, I realised early on that while I couldn’t do the demanding job of being an analyst, I could create systems, processes, and environments to support those who do this vital work every day. Hotline analysts have always been my greatest motivators.

Looking back, what do you consider your proudest accomplishment at INHOPE?

There have been many proud moments, as everything we achieve is a team effort. Personally, one of my proudest moments was the 2018 Members Meeting in Crete—my first as Executive Director. I saw the foundations of a great team, a supportive and engaged Board, and a Membership eager for growth. From an organisational perspective, I’ll never forget the first day ICCAM went fully live. Everything worked as planned, and it felt like we were witnessing the future engine of INHOPE in action.

What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learnt at INHOPE?

Professionally:

• There is no silver bullet.
• Bad people will do bad things.
• If you ask for help, most people will say yes.
• Well-motivated people can achieve the seemingly impossible.

Personally:

• Strong, honest relationships are incredibly powerful.
• Be kinder to others—and myself.
• Don’t fear change.
• It’s okay to change your mind: you can always turn a yes into a no, but it’s much harder to turn a no into a yes.

What message would you like to share with your colleagues and the INHOPE network?

There have always been challenges and there has always been change. In those times we can get caught up in details and lose sight as to why the organisation exists, so my parting advice is: with an eye to the vision, keep strategy simple and have clearly defined expected outcomes (not outputs) & may the force be with you!

What does the future hold for you?

That is a script yet to be written and what I will be doing workwise is a 2025 question. Regardless I will be taking a few months to clear my 20 year ‘to-do’ list and fulfil some promises that I have made to myself and others.


Stay in touch with Denton here.