Polly Neate steps down as chief executive of Shelter

Polly Neate has announced her decision to step down as chief executive of housing charity Shelter after more than seven years in the role.

Ms Neate will leave the position at the end of March 2025, with the recruitment process for her successor already underway.

During her time at Shelter, Ms Neate has been a strong advocate for tenants’ rights and has pushed for the abolition of Section 21.

I feel immensely proud

Shelter claims that under Ms Neate’s leadership, the charity has helped millions of people facing homelessness and poor housing through its face-to-face advocacy, telephone and online advice services.

Shelter claims that Ms Neate has successfully campaigned for changes to tackle the housing emergency, including new laws to improve conditions in social housing and the strengthening of renters’ rights.

Ms Neate says the decision to leave Shelter was a personal decision so she could pursue new challenges.

Ms Neate said: “I joined Shelter because I know that an end to homelessness and housing insecurity in this country is not a wild fantasy – it is an achievable reality.

“I feel immensely proud of how Shelter has led the pursuit of that goal over the last seven years. Deciding to leave has been an incredibly difficult decision, but I know the time is right, both personally and for the organisation.”

Ms Neate adds Shelter will continue to voice their opinions on the housing emergency and renters’ rights.

“I’ll forever be grateful to the incredible colleagues, volunteers and supporters who have enabled us to achieve so much in my time here. With their passion and focus, I know Shelter will continue to draw public and political attention to the housing emergency, champion the building of more social homes as the only answer to that emergency, and fight to defend the right to a safe home for everyone.

“When we do finally have a country where homelessness is a thing of the past and everyone can afford a decent place to live, every one of those Shelter employees, volunteers and supporters will have been instrumental in that achievement.”

Indefatigable force for social justice

Helen Baker, chair of Shelter’s Board of Trustees, claims Ms Neate has had a huge impact on the housing sector praising her as an “indefatigable force for social justice.”

She said: “On behalf of Shelter’s Board and staff, I’d like to express our deepest thanks to Polly for everything she has achieved over the last seven years. Her impact on Shelter and the wider housing and charity sectors is both incalculable and inspirational.

“Under her leadership, Shelter has truly shifted the public discourse on housing, driving a much fuller understanding of the housing emergency, its causes and solutions, to the top of the political agenda.

“Polly is a born change-maker and an indefatigable force for social justice. We wish her all the very best at wherever she chooses to take that passion and leadership next”.