Charity Commission chief executive Helen Stephenson is to step down from leading the regulator next year when her current term ends.

She leaves after seven years at the regulator and is its longest serving chief executive.

The regulator says she has led the organisation through “a serious of challenges” including safeguarding scandals to hit major charities, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and Covid pandemic on charity finances, as well as so called ‘culture wars’.

These are where right wing media and politicians have criticised charities which have sought to tackle the sector’s historic links with slavery and climate change.

Another challenge the regulator has faced in recent years has been the controversial appointment of a replacement for Baroness Stowell, who was the Commission’s chair from 2018 to 2021.

The government had appointed Martin Thomas to the role, but he was forced to resign days before taking office in 2021 after it emerged he was being investigated for inappropriate behaviour at a charity he had chaired.

The selection of Stowell’s eventual replacement, former Conservative Party candidate Orlando Fraser also attracted criticism, amid claims his selection process had been marred by a lack of diversity.

According to the regulator “under her leadership, the Commission has become a better, more professional organisation and ever more effective regulator”.

“She has overseen a firmer grip on casework, with historic backlogs managed down, hard-hitting inquiries undertaken, and wrongdoing tackled head on,” added the regulator.

Stephenson has worked in several senior civil service roles, in the Cabinet Office, Department for Education and as director of the Office for Civil Society and Government Innovation Group for three years.

She has also held senior policy roles at the Big Lottery Fund and held seats on the NCVO Advisory Council and Big Society Trust, as well as chairing the National Childbirth Trust. In 2014 she was awarded a CBE for services to civil society.

Our Chief Executive, Helen Stephenson, has announced her decision to step down in 2024.

Read more: https://t.co/SXQgsc9FtB

— Charity Commission (@ChtyCommission) September 6, 2023

“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, said Stephenson.

“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.”

Fraser added: “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.”

Applications are being sought from this week to replace Stephenson in the role.

Commenting on her planned departure, sector body the NCVO said: "Ensuring that NCVO and the Charity Commission have a strong working relationship is vital for the health of the charity and voluntary sector.

"As the sector faces another difficult winter and prepares for a challenging year in the run up to the next General Election, we look forward to continuing our vital partnership with Helen, and the wider team at the Commission, until she leaves her post next summer."

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