Helen Stephenson has announced she will be stepping down as chief executive of the Charity Commission after seven years at the helm.
Now the longest-serving chief executive of the regulator, Stephenson took up post in July 2017. She joined from the Department for Education where she was director of early years and childcare for three years.
Before that, she held senior roles in the government’s Office for Civil Society and at the Big Lottery Fund.
Stephenson’s role will be advertised from 7 September, with interviews to be completed at the end of the year. Stephenson will remain in post until July 2024.
In an exclusive interview with Civil Society, Stephenson said the Commission’s relationship with the charity sector had improved under her leadership.
Stephenson: ‘There is plenty still to do’
Stephenson said in a statement: “I’m exceptionally proud of my time at the Commission so far and will look back with great satisfaction at the challenges we have overcome, the improvements we have delivered and the expert organisation the Commission is becoming.
“It is, of course, with some sadness that I’ve decided to draw this chapter to a close next year, but I know the Commission is well-placed to take the next steps in its long and proud history. There is a strong, skilled leadership team, dedicated, enthusiastic staff and a thoughtful, supportive board – all committed to overseeing the work of our dynamic sector and achieving excellence in all they do.
“There is plenty still to do, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the board and our staff, building on our achievements to date, and setting a new strategy, while the process of appointing my successor takes place.”
Orlando Fraser: ‘Immense gratitude’
Orlando Fraser, chair of the Charity Commission, said: “I want to put on record the immense gratitude of the Board for everything Helen has achieved.
“Helen’s warm leadership has built a strong and respected Charity Commission, and her clear minded approach and deep understanding of the sector has ably steered the Commission through successive challenges and headwinds.
“She is respected and trusted by our team and has led an organisation that truly reflects its values: being rigorous in our scrutiny but balanced in our support.”
ACEVO: ‘Done a sterling job’
Jane Ide, CEO of ACEVO, said: “Helen has done a sterling job in steering the Commission through what have been challenging times for our sector, and throughout her tenure she has enabled an open, constructive and very valuable dialogue with the Commission's stakeholders.
“We appreciate in particular the relationship she has always maintained with ACEVO and the opportunities that has offered us to raise queries or concerns in the interests of our members.
“On a personal level I look forward to working with Helen until she comes to the end of her tenure next year, and wish her very well for the next chapter when it comes. But it is too soon to say farewell, and I suspect that over the coming months we and the Commission will need to work closely together on issues such as charities' right to campaign and our shared priority of ensuring excellent governance in our sector.”
NCVO: ‘Positive approach to working with NCVO and the wider sector’
Sarah Vibert, CEO of NCVO commented: “A strong relationship between NCVO, as the largest membership body, and the Charity Commission, as regulator, is vital for the health of the charity and voluntary sector in England. I want to take this opportunity to thank Helen for her leadership and positive approach to working with NCVO and the wider sector, which has helped deliver the support needed to ensure the effective working of thousands of organisations across the country.
“I look forward to working with Helen over the course of her remaining time with the Commission. This is especially important as the sector faces another difficult winter supporting communities and prepares for a challenging year in the run up to the next general election. I know the strength of Helen’s wider team, under the leadership of Orlando Fraser as chair, will be crucial in helping her continue to support the sector in the Commission’s regulatory role over the coming period.”
Related articles
