Sue Tibballs is stepping down as chief executive of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) at the end of January next year.

She is leaving the charity, which promotes campaigning rights, after nine years.

“Now feels like the right time for me to step down,” said Tibballs.

“Over the last nine years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting countless brilliant and committed campaigners – from those attending our training, to those we’ve celebrated at the SMK National Campaigner Awards, and the people and organisations who have partnered with and supported us.

“Their determination and belief in the need for change have sustained and motivated me every single day.”

She added that: “It hasn’t always been easy. Civil society and campaigners have faced many challenges over the past decade, including attacks on the very right to campaign and mobilise.

“However, I have never been more confident in the future of campaigners and in the vital role SMK plays in supporting, championing, and protecting the campaigning space.”

An interim chief executive will be “appointed shortly” said the charity, which will recruit for a permanent replacement next year.

SMK’s chair Pete Moorey added: “We’d like to thank Sue for her long-term leadership of SMK over the past nine years. She has done a superb job, often in difficult circumstances, setting out a clear vision for SMK and delivering high-quality training programs, advocacy and policy work.

“Sue leaves behind a well-respected and influential organisation – a legacy she should be proud of. We are immensely grateful for everything she has achieved and wish her the very best for the future.”

'Power hoarding'

Last year SMK became embroiled in controversy amid claims of ‘power hoarding’.

A freelancer accused the charity of failing to share power whilst working on the organisation’s official Power Sharing Project.

The alleged issues included concerns about authorship, skills audits on those with lived experience and a ‘shut down’ by board members when issues were raised, reported Charity Times at the time.

This prompted trustee Bushra Ahmed, to resign saying she “no longer (had) faith in the Power Project, SMK or the SMK Board”.

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