The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has named Sarah Vibert as its permanent chief executive.
Vibert, who has been the membership body’s interim chief executive for the past year, promised that the NCVO would be a “generous, collaborative leader in the sector and beyond”.
The NCVO said more than 200 people applied for the position and that Vibert was the trustees’ unanimous choice to take up the role.
Vibert, who joined the NCVO as director of public policy and volunteering in January 2020, became interim chief executive after the departure of Karl Wilding in January 2021.
In February, Third Sector reported that an internal investigation had concluded that bullying and harassment took place “with impunity” inside the organisation.
The NCVO said at the time that Wilding’s departure was unrelated to the investigation.
Third Sector revealed in January that Wilding had been the subject of upheld complaints of harassment, victimisation and race discrimination.
Before joining the NCVO, Vibert was the chief executive of the Neurological Alliance and previously worked at the Epilepsy Society and the health and social care membership body National Voices. She is a trustee at the Brain and Spine Foundation.
Priya Singh, chair of trustees at the NCVO, praised Vibert’s achievements as interim chief executive, including on building partnerships across the sector.
“In a fantastic field, she impressed, challenged and inspired all those involved in the process, presenting a clear and compelling vision for the future of NCVO and our work to support members and our sector.”
Vibert, who takes up the permanent role today, said: “I am honoured that the trustees, members and staff involved in the process have put their trust and confidence in me as NCVO’s chief executive.
“I have spent my career working and volunteering in charities, and wholeheartedly believe voluntary organisations and volunteers play a vital role in our society.
“NCVO has held a unique place in the voluntary sector for over 100 years.
“That place has had to be earned and NCVO has continually evolved to anticipate and respond to changes in society. Today is no different. We must continue to adapt to support members to meet the challenges of an ongoing pandemic, inequality, conflict and the climate crisis.”
Vibert told partners in the voluntary sector: “I will ensure that NCVO will be a generous, collaborative leader in the sector and beyond, focused on how, together, we can create a strong, fair and connected society.”