Shelter appoints Mairi MacRae as Director of Campaigns, Policy, and Communications

Mairi MacRae has been appointed as Shelter's new Director of Campaigns, Policy, and Communications.

Mairi first joined Shelter as an Assistant Director of Advocacy and Activism in 2022, and since then she has played a critical role in several major campaigns on social homes, private renting and building local campaigning power across England.

Before joining Shelter, Mairi held several leadership roles at the Asia Development Bank, Action Aid UK, and the International Rescue Committee. Her career to date has focused on tackling deeply entrenched inequalities and giving platforms to the voices and issues that have been most marginalised.

In her new role at Shelter, Mairi will lead multiple teams across the charity’s research, policy, public affairs, media, marketing, and campaigns functions in the fight for home. Starting her role in the middle of a busy General Election, Mairi will be at the forefront of Shelter’s efforts to galvanise public and political support for building a new generation of genuinely affordable social homes, improving security and affordability in private renting, and ending homelessness for good.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “I am delighted to continue working with Mairi, who is passionate about tackling our growing housing emergency and fighting for real change.

“Mairi’s inclusive style and her unflinching commitment to equity and social justice will bring fresh new thinking to the next stage of Shelter’s – and the country’s – fight for home.”

Mairi MacRae, Director of Campaigns, Policy, and Communications, said: “As the general election approaches, there has never been a more important time to fundamentally change the systems and structures that are causing the housing emergency, and tackle the gross injustices we see every day. With shameful record numbers of people without safe, secure, and affordable homes, Shelter’s work has never been more crucial.

“Since joining Shelter, I’ve seen firsthand the passion, expertise and impact of our teams and it’s a privilege to play my part in our fight to ensure that the housing emergency and its solutions receive the political attention they deserve.”

ENDS