Galop, which supports LGBT+ survivors of abuse, has become the latest charity to adopt a co-chief executive leadership model.

It has announced that its current interim chief executive Ben Kernighan, who is a former deputy CEO of the NCVO, will co-lead the charity with Jasmine O’Connor, who joins in October.

“The charity sector as a whole is facing enormous pressure and, at a time when the LGBT+ community is navigating a particularly challenging and hostile environment, it is more important than ever for Galop to be ambitious as we look to the future,” said the charity’s chair Lenna Cumberbatch.

“The Board believes co-leadership offers an exciting model for Galop to grow, as we take an inclusive approach to developing our new strategy.

“Together, Jasmine and Ben bring a breadth of valuable experience, insight, and networks, and we look forward to their joint leadership of Galop.”

Kernighan will continue leading Galop as Interim CEO until O’Connor officially joins.

“As the LGBT+ community faces some of its biggest challenges in decades, we look forward to working with the Galop team and our partners across all sectors to make the biggest possible difference for the survivors and victims of violence and abuse,” added O’Connor and Kernighan in a joint statement.

Last week food poverty charity Trussell announced it had promoted its deputy chief executive Matthew van Duyvenbode to be co-chief executive, where he will work alongside its current CEO Emma Revie.

“By evolving from a CEO/Deputy CEO structure to co-CEOs, we gain the benefits of shared leadership at minimal additional cost – strengthening our ability to respond with agility, ensure continuity and support our community of food banks,” said the charity.

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