Sarah Elliott is to step down as chief executive of the housing and homelessness charity Shelter after slightly more than a year in the role.
Elliott, who joined Shelter in September last year from the top job at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said “the role ahead needs a different set of strengths to what I bring”.
In a post on LinkedIn, Elliott said it was right for her to step aside now rather than later and her last day would be 16 October.
“My focus has been on laying the foundations for Shelter to remain in a strong position to lead the fight for home as we look towards our next strategy,” she said.
“With homelessness at the top of the political agenda and more collaboration across the sector than ever before, I leave with real confidence in the Shelter team and our partners.”
Elliott said she was looking forward to what comes next and would say more soon “on some exciting plans I’ve been making”.
She said: “But for today I wanted to say what a true privilege it has been to work alongside the communities most affected by the housing emergency, our partners and supporters over the last 12 months.”
Elliott joined the NCVO in January 2020 as director of membership and engagement before becoming interim chief a year later.
She was appointed the long-term leader of the membership body in March 2022 and held the role until joining Shelter last year.
Elliott was chief executive of the Neurological Alliance before she joined the NCVO and before that was director of strategy and external affairs at the Epilepsy Society.
She has also worked in local government and for the Mayor of London.
Helen MacNamara, chair of Shelter, said: “Sarah made a valuable contribution during her time at Shelter and she leaves with the board’s thanks and best wishes.”
Mairi MacRae, director of campaigns, policy and communications, and Andy Harris, director of income generation, will jointly act up as interim chief executive while recruitment for Elliott’s long-term successor takes place.