Jane Slowey, the former chief executive of the Foyer Federation, has died, the charity confirmed today.

Slowey led the young people’s charity for 13 years, and was given a CBE in 2009 for services to disadvantaged young people. She retired at the beginning of 2017 to spend more time with her family.

The charity said that Slowey had cancer and had suffered an “aggressive decline” over the last few weeks. 

Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa, the current chief executive of the Foyer Federation, said, “Jane was a true change agent and led the Foyer Federation over a 13-year period with real vigour.

“During this period the organisation grew in influence and reputation in benefiting young people and supporting them to thrive in society. Our staff team and board of trustees will dearly miss Jane. Our thoughts and condolences are with Jane's family at this challenging time.”

Slowey was deputy chair of NCVO from 2003 to 2008. Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, said: “Jane Slowey was an outstanding leader. She believed passionately in social justice and worked tirelessly in the service of others.

“I will sorely miss Jane’s counsel, which she gave as both NCVO’s vice-chair, as a member of our advisory council, and as a friend. My condolences to her family and friends.”