Shelter has named Sarah Elliott as its new chief executive, succeeding the controversial Polly Neate. Elliott will assume the role after the summer, bringing with her a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in various charitable sectors. Her leadership journey includes notable contributions in the voluntary and not-for-profit sectors, most recently serving for four years as the leader of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
Elliott’s appointment marks a new chapter for the charity, which has been at the forefront of campaigning for social housing and support for those struggling with homelessness. Reflecting on her appointment, 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.”
Her vision aligns closely with Shelter’s mission, and she aims to advocate for the importance of stable housing not only as a necessity for physical shelter but as a crucial pillar of a person’s overall well-being. As the charity faces increasing demand for its services amid ongoing housing crises, Elliott’s leadership promises to bring a renewed focus on ensuring that everyone has a place to call home. Her deep commitment to social justice and her wealth of experience within the charitable sector are expected to guide Shelter through the challenges ahead.
Sarah Elliott, the newly appointed chief executive of Shelter, has been vocal about the pressing need to address what she describes as the “housing emergency,” which she regards as the most urgent societal challenge in today’s world. Her decades of experience in the charitable sector have cemented her belief that housing is a fundamental human right. She strongly argues that home is not just a roof over one’s head but the foundation upon which individuals can build their families, succeed in education, find and maintain employment, and ultimately feel a sense of belonging within their communities.
Elliott’s appointment signals a new chapter for Shelter as she takes over the helm from Polly Neate, whose tenure lasted seven years. Elliott stressed that her dedication to fighting social injustice has been a constant throughout her career. She noted that the root causes of the housing crisis must be confronted head-on with both political will and a comprehensive, system-wide change. In her view, solving the housing emergency goes beyond just policy adjustments—it demands a radical shift in the way society approaches housing, particularly in how the government and private sector interact in the rental market.
Reflecting on her past experiences, Elliott expressed great pride in her work with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), where she spent four years leading the organisation. Under her leadership, the NCVO worked to support and strengthen the voluntary sector, and she was proud of the positive outcomes achieved during her tenure. As she now steps into her new role at Shelter, she recognised the unique responsibility and privilege of being at the forefront of one of the most influential change-making organisations in the charity sector, particularly in a time of such pressing need for action on housing.
Her appointment follows the departure of Polly Neate in March 2023. Neate, who was a figurehead of Shelter for seven years, made a significant impact by bringing much-needed attention to the issues of private landlords and letting agencies, accusing them of worsening the housing crisis. Neate was particularly outspoken about the exploitation faced by renters, and she was known for her sharp criticism of the practices of private landlords and letting agencies, believing they played a significant role in perpetuating housing inequality. Her departure marks the end of an era at Shelter, but her legacy of challenging the status quo in housing policy remains an important part of the organisation’s mission moving forward.
Elliott’s appointment is seen as an exciting new phase for Shelter, as the organisation continues to advocate for affordable housing and better rights for tenants in the face of an ongoing housing crisis. Her focus on the intersection of housing, social justice, and political reform suggests that Shelter will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping policy and pushing for systemic change that will benefit renters and vulnerable communities across the UK.
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