Shelter appoints Osama Bhutta as Director of Campaigns, Policy and Communications

Osama Bhutta will be joining Shelter as the charity’s new Director of Campaigns, Policy and Communications.

Osama Bhutta has worked as global director of marketing and communications at Amnesty International where he oversaw brand, media, creative, and digital work. He worked on human rights campaigns around the world and helped the organisation achieve its growth targets. Prior to this he worked to transform Al Jazeera Media Network into a competitive broadcaster.

At Shelter, Osama Bhutta will be taking on the fight for home – working across the charity’s research, policy, media, and campaigns teams in England to tackle the causes and consequences of the housing emergency. Starting in the role this summer, he will lead major campaigns calling for investment in social homes, improvements in housing rights and an end to discrimination in housing.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “I’m very excited to work with Osama, who is passionate about tackling our growing housing emergency and fighting for real change. The pandemic has shown us that home is everything and Shelter’s campaigns have never been more urgent.

“Osama will bring both in-depth campaigning experience and fresh new thinking to his leadership of the next stage of Shelter’s – and the country’s – fight for home.”

Osama Bhutta said: “I’ve been fighting for human rights for years – housing isn’t just one of them, it’s also the platform for others like better health and education. New low carbon homes will help us meet our climate targets and create lots of jobs. We’re living through a time of possibility and our homes can shape a new exciting future for our people.

"I’ve been so impressed by Shelter’s ambition and I want to help our staff to achieve that. Between us, our cross-cutting partners, and diverse campaigners up-and-down the country, we have what it takes to get this done. In this country we are passionate about our homes so it’s high time everyone was able to afford one.”

ENDS