CEO recruitment

Welcome

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in Shelter, and in one of the most exciting, impactful and high-profile roles in the charity sector. At Shelter, we are driven by our purpose: that a safe home is a right not a privilege. We need a new CEO who is as committed to justice, equity and inclusion as we are, and who will lead Shelter in the fight for home.

In recent years, Shelter has successfully campaigned for changes to tackle the housing emergency, including new laws to improve conditions in social housing, strengthening renters’ rights, and the prioritisation of building new social homes on the political and public agenda.

Shelter has helped millions of people facing homelessness and poor housing through face-to-face advocacy, telephone and online advice services, and legal support. Our work in communities has led to mobilisation around the country, with people who have lived through the worst of social injustice at its heart.

The breadth and depth of our work, as well as our visibility and powerful voice, make this a once-in-a-career opportunity. It's not only a high-profile role but a significant leadership endeavour: in our fight for housing justice we are actively confronting the systems that perpetuate the housing emergency. This includes an uncompromising commitment to anti-racism and social justice.

Housing justice cannot be separated from racial justice. We know that we cannot truly end the housing emergency without tackling the injustices and discrimination that underpin it. People from Black and minority ethnic communities are disproportionately impacted, they face higher rates of eviction and poorer living conditions, and are more likely to be denied access to safe housing. Our aim is to tear down these barriers and build a future where everyone has access to a decent safe home.

We want a leader who is passionate about making housing equitable for all, and understands that achieving this requires actively challenging systemic racism and fighting for equality.

Who we are

Shelter exists to defend the right to a safe home and to fight against the devastating impact that the housing emergency has on people and society. We advocate, we support and we empower – and we won’t stop until people have the safe home they deserve. We believe in being proactive, daring, fearless and relentless in our pursuit of housing justice.

Leading with courage

As our CEO, you’ll be at the forefront of a movement for change. This role requires a leader who can tackle the housing emergency with conviction and compassion, bring others on board as supporters and donors, and embody our values both within and outside our organisation.

Your leadership will help Shelter to remain a place where everyone is treated with respect and listened to, where diversity is celebrated, and where lived experience, equity and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. As CEO you will be supported by a committed, driven and talented Executive Leadership Team and Board who will help you to deliver.

What we want

The ideal candidate will bring strategic insight and leadership experience together with a genuine dedication to anti-racism and social justice, demonstrably leading with integrity and purpose. You’ll need to be able to see the bigger picture and identify how we can continue to push boundaries to make a meaningful difference.

You will have already demonstrated your commitment to equity and justice in previous roles and be ready to continue that work with us. You’re not afraid to address issues of privilege and inequity, and to lead with compassion and care.

Your words and actions will inspire others. You’ll lead with courage and authenticity, and with the confidence to make hard decisions when needed.

Systemic change

At Shelter, we’re not interested in short-term ‘sticking plaster’ solutions, we are here to drive the change necessary to end the housing emergency and build a better future. As our CEO, you’ll have the opportunity to advocate for, and lead, transformative change in the housing system.

In return, we offer an organisation of passionate, driven individuals who believe that housing is a human right and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. People who work together every day to achieve real change.

If you are ready to lead with purpose, if you believe that home is everything, and if you are prepared to fight for housing justice, we want to hear from you.

Join us and, together, let’s end the housing emergency.

Yours sincerely,

Helen MacNamara
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Shelter