The chief executive of the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop has announced she will stand down after nearly four years in post.
Leni Morris, who became chief executive of the charity in 2020, will leave at the end of January.
Galop provides advice and support to members of the LGBT+ community across the UK who have experienced discrimination, sexual violence and domestic abuse.
Writing in a post on LinkedIn, Morris said she was stepping down to care for her mother, who was diagnosed with a “highly aggressive form of cancer” in February.
Morris said: “It has not been an easy decision, but the right thing to do – both for my family and for Galop – is for me to step down as CEO.
“I care deeply about the work we do at Galop – it has been a genuine honour and a privilege to be able to support and serve my community as CEO.
“I am so proud of how the organisation has grown in my time, the number of services we’ve been able to launch, and the work we’ve done to ensure that the voices of LGBT+ survivors of abuse and violence are better heard.”
Before joining Galop, Morris was the head of events and ambassadors at Stonewall for two years and prior to that was the events manager at Action Against Hunger.
A statement from the Galop’s board of trustees said that during Morris’ time at the charity she has overseen “huge organisational change”, including the national expansion of its services, the opening of its national LGBT+ abuse and violence helpline and the tripling of Galop’s number of frontline staff.
The trustees said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the years of passion and commitment Leni has brought to Galop, and wish her and her family the best during this challenging time.
“Under Leni’s leadership, Galop has grown significantly and delivers a critical service to our community.”
The charity said it would begin recruiting for a new chief executive soon.
Amy Roch, Galop’s deputy chief executive, will act as interim head. Roch joined the charity in 2021 and has more than 15 years’ experience working in the violence against women and girls and LGBT+ sectors.