Shelter has named its new chief executive taking over from the controversial Polly Neate.
Sarah Elliott will take up the role after the summer following two decades of activity in various charitable causes, most recently four years leading the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.
Elliott says: “Home is a fundamental human right. It’s the foundation upon which people can build their families, succeed in education, find and maintain work and feel a sense of belonging within their community.
“Yet, the housing emergency is the most urgent societal challenge we face today.
“Fighting social injustice has been my driving force throughout my two-decade career in the charity sector. It is crucial that we tackle the root causes head on – we need political will and system-wide change to fix the broken housing system.
“I have spent most of my career working to make the world a fairer place. I am proud of what the NCVO team has achieved over the past 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.”
Neate left in March following a seven year reign during which she was sharply critical of private landlords and letting agencies for what she claimed were their parts in worsening the ‘housing emergency’.
During her years in the charitable sector Elliott has worked as chief executive of The Neurological Alliance and director of strategy and external affairs at the Epilepsy Society. Prior to that she worked in local government and for the Mayor of London.
Until Elliott takes up the position, it will be occupied temporarily by Tim Gutteridge.
Helen MacNamara, chair of trustees at Shelter, says: “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.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today