Ep 54. Sarah Elliott, CEO Shelter: Fighting for home

Sarah Elliott started as the new CEO of the UK charity, Shelter, in September 2025, having previously run the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) for 5 years.Shelter exists to defend everyone’s right to a safe home. Campaigning for housing justice since 1966, Shelter has fought hard to change the housing system in the UK.In June 2025, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, announced a £39 Billion investment, for social and affordable housing. The Renters Rights Act, passed in October, also brings much needed, widespread reform to the UK’s private rental sector.A second-time guest on the show, in this episode, Sarah reflects on Shelter’s impact, her approach to leadership, and the joy of working in a cause-led organisation. We explore her experience of partnering with government and now seeing the Civil Society Covenant come to life. She discusses Shelter’s hard-hitting report My Colour Speaks Before Me on racism and discrimination in the housing sector, and shares her vision for the charity’s future.Recorded November 2025.