Shelter’s chief executive, Polly Neate, has announced her resignation from the role, citing “personal reasons” as the motivation behind her decision.Â
Although she will continue to serve until March, her departure comes after a notable seven-year tenure at the charity. In the interim, Tim Gutteridge, who is currently the chief operating officer, has been named as the acting chief executive.Â
Neate’s time at Shelter has been marked by her vocal criticism of landlords and letting agents, positioning her as a controversial figure within the private rental sector. She has frequently highlighted the challenges faced by tenants and the need for reform in housing policies, often sparking debate within the industry.Â
In her statement, Neate expressed her belief that now is the right moment for her to step down, coinciding with the end of Shelter’s current 10-year strategy cycle. This timing suggests a transition for the organisation as it looks to the future and considers the next steps in its mission to improve housing conditions across the UK. As she prepares to leave, Neate’s leadership will be remembered for her passionate advocacy for renters and her commitment to addressing housing inequalities.
Polly Neate, who has been recognised with a CBE for her significant contributions to tackling homelessness, expressed her deep commitment to the cause when she stated, “I joined Shelter because I genuinely believe that ending homelessness and housing insecurity in this country is not just a distant dream—it is a goal that can be realised with the right approach and determination.Â
“I feel a profound sense of pride in how Shelter has led the charge towards achieving this goal over the last seven years. The journey has been rewarding, filled with numerous challenges, but also marked by countless successes. After careful consideration, I have decided that it is time for me to step away from my role. This decision has not come lightly, as it has been incredibly difficult to leave an organisation and mission that I care so deeply about. However, I believe that now is the right moment for both me personally and for Shelter as it embarks on its next chapter.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible colleagues, volunteers, and supporters who have stood by me throughout this journey. Their unwavering dedication and hard work have been pivotal in helping us achieve so much during my time here. Together, we have made significant strides in advocating for the rights of the homeless and raising awareness of the pressing issues surrounding housing insecurity. I am confident that Shelter will continue to thrive and push forward with its mission, making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
Polly Neate conveyed her unwavering confidence in the future of Shelter, stating, “With their dedication and focus, I believe that Shelter will continue to highlight the housing crisis and advocate for the construction of more social homes as the primary solution to this issue. They will also strive to uphold the right to safe housing for everyone.”
She elaborated on her vision, saying, “When we finally reach a point where homelessness is a thing of the past, and every individual can access a decent place to live, it will be the result of the collective efforts of all those involved. Every Shelter employee, volunteer, and supporter will have been instrumental in achieving that significant milestone.”
Furthermore, Neate expressed her pride in the work accomplished during her tenure, noting the importance of community engagement and activism in driving change. She acknowledged the critical role of public and political attention in addressing the housing crisis and emphasized that continued advocacy is essential for meaningful progress.
In response to Neate’s departure, Shelter’s chair, Helen Baker, shared her sentiments: “On behalf of the board and staff at Shelter, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Polly for all her accomplishments over the past seven years. Her leadership has not only brought awareness to the housing emergency but has also mobilised resources and support to tackle the challenges faced by vulnerable communities. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
Polly Neate’s influence on Shelter and the broader housing and charity sectors is both significant and noteworthy. Throughout her tenure as chief executive, she has made great strides in reshaping public conversation about housing issues. Under her leadership, Shelter has successfully elevated discussions surrounding the housing crisis, fostering a deeper understanding of its underlying causes and potential solutions among policymakers and the public alike. This shift in dialogue has helped to ensure that the housing emergency remains a critical topic on the political agenda, leading to increased awareness and action.
Neate’s ability to advocate for change has been instrumental in driving initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness and housing insecurity. Her dedication to social justice has not only inspired her colleagues at Shelter but also influenced a broader network of supporters and activists working towards the same goals. As she prepares to step down, it is clear that her contributions will leave a lasting legacy on the organisation and the communities it serves.
“Polly is a born change-maker and an indefatigable force for social justice. We wish her all the very best at whatever she chooses to take that passion and leadership next,” a representative from Shelter remarked.
While Neate transitions away from her role at Shelter, she will continue to lend her expertise to other important initiatives. She will remain involved in various organisations, serving on the boards of the Young Women’s Trust and Women in Sport, as well as acting as a non-executive director for Wessex Local Medical Committees. Her ongoing commitment to these causes highlights her dedication to promoting social equity and improving the lives of those in need.