Domestic abuse survivors charity Refuge has appointed Ellen Miller as its interim chief executive.

She replaces Ruth Davison who announced her resignation earlier this year after two years in the role.

Miller joins Refuge while they look for a permanent CEO from another domestic abuse focused charity, SafeLives, where she has been interim chief executive since January.

She also spent two years as Versus Arthritis as its acting CEO from 2020 and is a former director of Victim Support and chief executive of Empowerment.

“It's a great honour be joining Refuge and to have the opportunity to take forward the vital work to make sure domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is no longer tolerated,” said Miller.

“Women have a right to be safe and to recover, and to have the life they deserve - my job is to make sure the people we work with get that chance, that our team feel proud and heard, and that the voice of survivors is heard loudly by those in power and in our society.”

Refuge chair Hetti Barworth-Nanton added: “I’m delighted to welcome Ellen to Refuge. With her breadth of experience from across the sector, she will be a great asset to the charity as she leads us through our next chapter.

“Ellen’s appointment is for an extended period and will ensure there is stability and experienced leadership for the charity as we continue our transformation journey.”

Last year Refuge and its chief executive Ruth Davison severed links with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIoF) due to ongoing concerns over the safety of women following a sexual misconduct scandal at the organisation.

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