Highly-experienced charity heavyweight Sarah Elliot (pictured) has been named as the new CEO of Shelter and vows to “fix the broken housing system.”

She joins from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) – England’s largest membership organisation for the voluntary sector- where she has spent the last five years, four of them as CEO. It was during this time that she was credited with improving the sector’s relationship with the Government.

Safe homes for all

Elliot will succeed Tim Gutteridge, who has served as interim CEO of Shelter since the departure of Polly Neate CBE in March 2025. She will lead the Shelter team through the next phase of their 10-year strategy to end the housing emergency, including campaigning for a new generation of social homes and continuing to strengthen and fight for the right to a safe home for all.

Helen MacNamara, Chair of Trustees at Shelter, says: “Sarah brings with her such a wealth of passion and experience, particularly in bringing organisations and decision-makers together to create lasting change.

“Her unwavering commitment to challenging power, privilege and systemic inequality is a clear cornerstone of her leadership. Sarah is fearless and compassionate, and we are excited about what we will achieve together with Sarah in this critical period for housing justice.”

Elliott says: “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.

Like everyone who is part of this incredible charity, I am impatient for change and am determined to help us deliver it.”

“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.

Influential organisation

“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.”