Sarah Elliott will leave her role as chief executive of umbrella body NCVO to lead housing and homeless charity Shelter in September, the organisations have announced.
Elliott has led NCVO since 2021 after being promoted from her previous role as its director of membership and engagement.
She took over from Karl Wilding, initially on an interim basis, who left after 18 months to make way for a new CEO to lead “necessary cultural change” at the umbrella body.
It later emerged that an independent report had found issues around bullying and discrimination at NCVO, with Elliott and the umbrella body’s chair, Priya Singh, promising to address the problems.
During Elliott’s tenure, NCVO helped to secure over £950m in government funding during the Covid-19 pandemic for the voluntary sector and £100m for charities during the peak of the cost-of-living crisis.
She has also worked on improving the sector’s relationship with the government, alongside fellow umbrella body ACEVO, culminating in the upcoming Civil Society Covenant agreement.
Singh said: “I would like to thank Sarah for her outstanding leadership and the exceptional role she has played in connecting, convening and collaborating to ensure that the needs of the voluntary sector are not only heard, but truly understood and addressed.
“During such a difficult time for charities, Sarah has led with integrity and kindness, building a strong team, and leaves NCVO ever more able to support its members, and the wider sector, through the challenges and opportunities of the future.
“We wish her all the very best in her new role and look forward to working with her and seeing Shelter thrive with Sarah at their helm.”
‘Honoured’ to join Shelter
Elliott will take over from Tim Gutteridge, who has been acting as the interim chief executive of Shelter since its previous long-term permanent CEO Polly Neate stepped down in March this year.
Also a trustee of anti-poverty charity Trussell and previously CEO of the Neurological Alliance, Elliott will lead Shelter through the next phase of its 10-year strategy.
She said: “I am proud of what the NCVO team has achieved over the last five years, and it is a privilege to be taking on this role at one of the most influential change-making organisations in the sector.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to build on Shelter’s incredible track record successfully campaigning for, and supporting, those affected by the housing emergency.
“Like everyone who is part of this incredible charity, I am impatient for change and am determined to help us deliver it.”
Helen MacNamara, chair of trustees at Shelter, said: “After a highly competitive recruitment process, I am delighted that Sarah will be joining us to lead Shelter’s fight for home.
“Sarah brings with her such a wealth of passion and experience, particularly in bringing organisations and decision-makers together to create lasting change.
“Her unwavering commitment to challenging power, privilege and systemic inequality is a clear cornerstone of her leadership.
“Sarah is fearless and compassionate, and we are excited about what we will achieve together with Sarah in this critical period for housing justice.”
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