Shelter appoints Sarah Elliott as new Chief Executive

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Shelter appoints Sarah Elliott as new Chief Executive

The housing and homelessness charity Shelter has announced that Sarah Elliott will be joining as Chief Executive in September 2025. Sarah joins from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) - England’s largest membership organisation for the voluntary sector- where she has spent the last five years, four of them as CEO.

Sarah led NCVO’s policy and public affairs work during the COVID pandemic, which secured over £950 million for the voluntary sector and, more recently as CEO, £100 million for charities during the peak of the cost-of-living crisis. Under her leadership, NCVO has also been credited with improving the sector’s relationship with government. This work is set to culminate this summer with the Civil Society Covenant – a landmark initiative designed to reset the relationship between government and civil society, ensure the expertise of charities and social enterprises are central to decision-making, and recognise the sector’s role as a trusted and independent partner for government.

Sarah has over 15 years of senior leadership experience in the non-profit sector, including as CEO 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. She also brings with her a deep understanding of issues relating to homelessness and insecure housing from her service on the board at Trussell (formerly the Trussell Trust).

Sarah will succeed Tim Gutteridge, who has served as interim CEO of Shelter since the departure of Polly Neate CBE in March 2025. She will lead the Shelter team through the next phase of their 10-year strategy to end the housing emergency, including by campaigning for a new generation of social homes and continuing to strengthen and fight for the right to a safe home for all.

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.”

Sarah Elliott, incoming Chief Executive at Shelter said: “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 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.”

Dr Priya Singh, Chair of NCVO, said: “We are delighted to see Sarah appointed as CEO at Shelter. 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.”

ENDS