Judith Banjoko appointed as Shelter’s new Director of Services

Shelter has appointed Judith Banjoko as the new Director of Services this month (January 2023). Judith is joining Shelter as the charity continues to develop its work with communities on delivering long-term change, alongside it’s frontline services.   

Judith previously worked at the charity Solace, where she was the interim chief executive. Judith brings with her a wealth of expertise having spent 15 years working with survivors and victims of domestic abuse – which is also a key trigger of homelessness and housing insecurity. Judith has long championed services designed in partnership with people with lived experience. 

At Shelter, Judith will lead on the charity’s key strategic aim of working with individuals with lived experience and their communities across England, so that fewer people face homelessness or insecure and unsafe housing in the future. Judith will also be accountable for Shelter’s range of services across England, including its emergency helpline, digital support, legal, justice and services for professionals. 

Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter, said: “Shelter services are absolutely fundamental to our purpose: to defend the right to a safe home, with individuals, in communities and across society. With Judith's leadership our services can continue to develop as a vital force for change across England, building on the incredible work our colleagues are doing every day up and down the country. 

“Judith will bring a wealth of expertise both from her experience of working directly with people at the sharpest end of the housing emergency, and her values-driven approach to leadership. I’m very excited to welcome her to our leadership team.” 

Judith Banjoko, Services Director at Shelter, said: “I am proud to have joined Shelter’s fight for home as I’ve always believed that a safe, decent and affordable home is a fundamental human right. I look forward to being part of Shelter’s fight against the devastating impact of the housing emergency on people and society through its vital services and campaigning work. 

“I am solutions-focused and want to create change where it’s most needed by working together with people with lived experience, and Shelter is the perfect place for me to continue to do so. I can’t wait to get stuck in and work with colleagues as well as communities across England so that fewer people have to face homelessness and housing insecurity in the future.” 

Judith replaces Ali Mohammed, who is retiring after eight years at Shelter. 

ENDS