National Council for Voluntary Organisations interim CEO Sarah Vibert has been appointed to the top job on a permanent basis.

Vibert, who was director of public policy and volunteering at the sector body, took over as temporary CEO in January last year.

Her appointment follows a four month long recruitment process, with more than 200 candidates for the post.

“I am honoured that the trustees, members, and staff involved in the process have put their trust and confidence in me as NCVO’s CEO,” said Vibert.

“I have spent my career working and volunteering in charities, and wholeheartedly believe voluntary organisations and volunteers play a vital role in our society.”

Vibert took on the interim role after CEO Karl Wilding stepped down after just 18 months.

His resignation came amid a period of upheaval for the sector body as it sought to tackle racism and a lack of diversity within its organisation. Wilding admitted in 2020 that the NCVO is a “structurally racist organistion”.

Since then, work has taken place by the NCVO to reorganise the organisation and governance arrangements, including setting up a full and permanent EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) subcommittee to hold the sector body to account.

Vibert added that she is “hugely excited to have the opportunity to build on the work the team has undertaken over the past year to reinvent NCVO’s relationships with members, staff and the wider sector”.

“For members, the NCVO I lead will always listen, respond and enable you
to come together as a community. We will clear a path in the external environment to make it easier for you to do your vital work supporting people and communities, and we will stand alongside you in championing the role of voluntary organisations and volunteers.

“For our staff team, NCVO under my leadership will continue the work to empower and support you to thrive at work and inspire you with a vision for what we are achieving for members and wider society.”

NCVO chair Priya Singh added: “The board’s unanimous decision to appoint Sarah comes after a rigorous four-month recruitment process where we engaged a diverse, experienced, and inspiring set of candidates.

“I’m proud that the shortlisting and interview process were inclusive, involving
representatives from NCVO members and staff, and enabled diverse perspectives and collective decision making.”

Vibert’s appointment has been welcomed by Charities Aid Foundation chief executive Neil Heslop.

He said: “I look forward to continuing to work closely with Sarah as we modernise our partnership to better support UK charities.

“That support has taken on added urgency as charities work to meet the needs of their communities during turbulent times, with many facing increased demand on their services.”

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