Carly Whyborn has been promoted to permanent chief executive of Refugees at Home as the charity consolidates two top roles.
Whyborn has been interim chief executive alongside her chief operating officer role since her predecessor, Lauren Scott, went on maternity leave in May.
The new chief executive joined Refugees at Home in 2022 as a deputy director before becoming chief operating officer in 2024.
Refugees at Home said: “Like many charities, Refugees at Home is navigating a challenging financial climate and changing political landscape.
“To ensure we remain as efficient and sustainable as possible, our trustees have decided to bring our two executive roles together into a single chief executive position, allowing us to focus more of our resources on supporting guests and hosts.”
Scott leaves Refugees at Home after eight years as chief executive, during which time the charity said she had made an “enormous contribution” to its progress.
“As [Scott] moves on to pursue new opportunities, both personally and professionally, she takes with her the heartfelt thanks and very best wishes of our trustees and colleagues,” the charity said.
“Lauren will remain a dedicated supporter of Refugees at Home and its mission.”
Whyborn was previously at the charity Reset Communities and Refugees as head of operations between 2018 and 2022, before becoming head of services for seven months in 2022.
She was a volunteer development officer at the Kent Wildlife Trust between 2016 and 2018 and was volunteer manager and head of operations at the animal charity Battersea from 2011 to 2016.
Whyborn also has experience as a chief executive, having held the role at the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust between 2008 and 2011.
“Carly has been with Refugees at Home for four years and has already been leading the organisation during Lauren’s maternity leave,” Refugees at Home said.
“She brings a wealth of experience, deep knowledge of our work and strong relationships across the sector.”