# NCVO CEO Karl Wilding steps down from role

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2021/01/26/ncvo-ceo-karl-wilding-steps-down-from-role/
- Published: 2021-01-26T11:56:24+00:00
- Author: Melanie May

**⌊Karl Wilding⌉⌊Karl Wilding⌉NCVO’s CEO Karl Wilding has today announced that he
is stepping down from his role immediately, and will be leaving the organisation
at the end of March.**

 

His decision follows the completion of NCVO’s strategy review and organisational
restructure, with it now being, Wilding says, time for someone new to lead the organisation’s
necessary cultural change.

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He has been its CEO for the last 18 months, and has worked for NCVO for 23 years
in total.

 

[In a statement](https://www.ncvo.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/2781-statements-from-ceo-and-chair),
Wilding said:

 

> “Following some very difficult decisions, the finalisation of our new strategy
> and organisational structure is complete.
> “But we all know there is more to do to take forward changes in how NCVO works.
> When I was appointed CEO, I was clear that we had to challenge ourselves to think
> differently and do things better. We’ve been public about our work on EDI, which
> shone a light on the need for deep cultural change in the organisation.
> “I am proud that our new strategy and structure has cultural change at its heart.
> NCVO has made substantial progress over the last 18 months, but we need to go 
> further.
> “With the strategy review, organisational restructure and the first part of our
> work on EDI complete, now is the right time for me to step away. Sometimes leadership
> is about knowing when to hand the baton on and I know I am leaving NCVO in safe
> hands.
> “I believe that new leadership will be able to lead the necessary cultural change
> NCVO is determined, rightly, to achieve. That requires someone new, not part of
> the past.
> “I will leave with real sadness, but I know it’s the right and responsible decision
> for NCVO. I will leave at the end of March. Until then, I will work with the board
> and interim CEO to support them, ensuring that the organisation remains stable
> and focused on the future.”

 

Sarah Vibert, NCVO’s current director of membership and engagement, takes over as
interim CEO as of today.

 

A full search and selection process for a new permanent CEO will begin shortly, 
with a view to making an appointment by the Autumn.

 

Commenting on Wilding’s decision, Dr Priya Singh, NCVO chair of trustees said:

 

> “On behalf of the board of trustees, I thank Karl for his many years of service
> to NCVO, especially his leadership as CEO of our new strategy, his collaborative
> work on the response to the global pandemic and his role in initiating our EDI
> work. Karl’s decision to leave is rooted in his integrity and a genuine desire
> to do the right thing for the organisation he loves. He goes with our very best
> wishes.
> “I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Sarah Vibert, NCVO’s director of
> membership and engagement, as interim CEO from today. Sarah joined NCVO in January
> 2020 and over the last 12 months she has had a leading role in NCVO’s internal
> change programme, as well as our external collaborative work to make the case 
> for charities and volunteering during the pandemic. Sarah will work closely with
> Karl and the board on a smooth transition.”