Takes up post in autumn

Kate Lee has been named as the chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.

Lee is the former CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society and succeeds Sarah Elliott, who has left the infrastructure body after four years to take up the top job at the homelessness charity Shelter.

She was awarded an OBE last year and will take up post in the autumn as she is currently undertaking consultancy work.

Lee was previously the chief executive of Clic Sargent, now Young Lives vs Cancer, from November 2015 to March 2020 and spent five years heading up Myton Hospice.

Her first task is to take the organisation through a major strategic review, designed to define its role in supporting and representing the voluntary sector over the next decade.

Lee said: “I’ve been an avid supporter and advocate of the voluntary sector for my whole career, so it is a great honour to be joining NCVO at such a pivotal and exciting time.

“The voluntary sector has never been more important, and I look forward to working alongside our members, partners and dedicated team to champion the incredible work happening in communities every day.”

Priya Singh, chair of the NCVO, said Lee was an “outstanding, proven leader with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our sector”.

She said: “The board was impressed by her vision for how NCVO can work alongside its members to champion the vital role of charities and volunteers across the country. We are confident she will bring the drive, energy and ambition needed to help the sector flourish in the years ahead.”

Baroness Delyth Morgan, president of NCVO, added: “I am delighted by Kate’s appointment and pleased that under her leadership, NCVO will continue to be a powerful advocate for charities and the communities they serve.”

Saskia Konynenburg, executive director at NCVO, is leading the organisation until Lee take up post.