# Charity Commission CEO to step down in 2024

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2023/09/06/charity-commission-ceo-to-step-down-in-2024/
- Published: 2023-09-06T12:31:54+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**The Charity Commission’s Chief Executive Helen Stephenson has announced that she
is to step down at the end of her term in 2024, after seven years in the role.**

Stephenson, the Commission’s longest serving Chief Executive, [took up post in July 2017](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/05/19/charity-commission-announces-helen-stephenson-next-chief-executive/),
following an career in senior roles across the public and voluntary sector. These
have included Director of Early Years and Childcare in the Department for Education
from 2014 to 2017; Deputy Director at the Office for Civil Society and Government
innovation Group; and Head of Strategic Policy and Partnerships at the Big Lottery
Fund.

The Commission will be advertising the CEO role from tomorrow, Thursday 7 September,
and expects the process to be complete by the end of the year. A new CEO will be
in place by the end of Stephenson’s term in July 2024.

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In a statement announcing the news, Stephenson said:

> “I’m exceptionally proud of my time at the Commission so far and will look back
> with great satisfaction at the challenges we have overcome, the improvements we
> have delivered and the expert organisation the Commission is becoming.
>  
> “It is, of course, with some sadness that I’ve decided to draw this chapter to
> a close next year, but I know the Commission is well placed to take the next steps
> in its long and proud history. There is a strong, skilled leadership team, dedicated,
> enthusiastic staff and a thoughtful, supportive Board – all committed to overseeing
> the work of our dynamic sector and achieving excellence in all they do.
>  
> “There is plenty still to do, and I look forward to continuing to work closely
> with the Board and our staff, building on our achievements to date, and setting
> a new strategy, while the process of appointing my successor takes place.”

Orlando Fraser KC, Chair of the Charity Commission, commented:

> “Helen’s warm leadership has built a strong and respected Charity Commission, 
> and her clear minded approach and deep understanding of the sector has ably steered
> the Commission through successive challenges and headwinds. She is respected and
> trusted by our team and has led an organisation that truly reflects its values:
> being rigorous in our scrutiny but balanced in our support.
>  
> “I also want to express publicly my own personal thanks to Helen. She has truly
> been an exceptional Chief Executive and we will miss her.
>  
> “Helen will bequeath to her successor a Charity Commission that is on a strong
> footing, and we look forward this autumn to welcoming applications to follow her
> as Chief Executive in 2024.”

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