Shelter announces new CEO who aims to deliver change

Housing charity Shelter has unveiled its new CEO, after Polly Neate stood down from the role after seven years.

Sarah Elliot, currently the chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), England’s largest membership organisation for the voluntary sector, is set to take on the role of CEO at Shelter in September.

Ms Elliot says her focus will be on driving the next phase of Shelter’s 10-year strategy to end the housing emergency, campaigning for a new generation of social homes and fighting for everyone’s right to a safe home.

Home is a fundamental human right

Ms Elliott said: “Home is a fundamental human right. It’s the foundation upon which people can build their families, succeed in education, find and maintain work and feel a sense of belonging within their community. Yet, the housing emergency is the most urgent societal challenge we face today.

“Fighting social injustice has been my driving force throughout my two-decade career in the charity sector. It is crucial that we tackle the root causes head-on, we need political will and system-wide change to fix the broken housing system.”

She adds: “I have spent most of my career working to make the world a fairer place. I am proud of what the NCVO team has achieved over the last five years, and it is a privilege to be taking on this role at one of the most influential change-making organisations in the sector.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to build on Shelter’s incredible track record successfully campaigning for, and supporting, those affected by the housing emergency. Like everyone who is part of this incredible charity, I am impatient for change and am determined to help us deliver it.”

Exciting new era

Polly Neate claimed “this is an exciting new era” for Shelter and sent a supportive message to Ms Elliot on X, formerly Twitter.

She said: “Huge congratulations to Sarah! It’s the most fantastic job you could wish for, working with the most committed and talented people you’ll ever meet. What an exciting new era for Shelter.”

Tim Gutteridge, who has been serving as interim CEO since March, will continue in the role until September.