Abigail Ampofo to become Refuge Interim CEO
Refuge has announced that its current Interim CEO Ellen Miller will be leaving Refuge having secured the permanent role as CEO of the charity SafeLives where she had been working before joining Refuge. Abigail Ampofo, Refuge’s current Director of Service Delivery has been appointed as Interim CEO and will take up her new role on 4th March.
Abigail brings a wealth of experience, having joined Refuge in November 2021 in the newly created post of Director of Service Delivery, leading all of Refuge’s operational services including refuge accommodation, community-based services, Refuge’s flagship Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment Team and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline. Abigail has worked in social care or local government for nearly two decades, holding strategic or senior leadership positions for the last 15 years.
Ellen said: “It’s been a privilege to have had the opportunity to lead Refuge. Refuge is doing so much driven by the innovation and passion of its people to provide such essential, frontline services, saving and changing the lives of women and children every single day. It has been an honour to see from the inside how Refuge has changed hugely in recent years, both culturally and broadening our impact. I’ve enjoyed working with talented colleagues and with the support of Hetti and our Board. I will definitely be leaving with mixed feelings – but I am going back to a permanent role in an organisation I loved. I will still be a big fan, advocate and friend of Refuge as this is a great and important charity.”
Abigail said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been selected to lead Refuge as Interim CEO. Since joining the organisation over two years ago, I am humbled daily by the passion and dedication of all colleagues and volunteers in furthering Refuge’s mission, ensuring that survivors and their children have the vital support they deserve. I am committed to continue leading the organisation with integrity and working with fantastic colleagues as Refuge continues to be a feminist force for good.”
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, chair of the board of trustees, said: “I want to give my and the Trustees’ thanks for the contribution Ellen has made while she has been with us. She has led the organisation with skill during a period of significant challenge and change for Refuge and the sector as a whole. However, we recognise that the opportunity to lead SafeLives is fantastic for her and for SafeLives, building on her successful time there as interim CEO. On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Ellen for her leadership during this time and the valuable perspective she has been able to bring to our work. SafeLives is an important organisation in our sector and we look forward to continuing to work closely with her in her new role.”
The Refuge Board will now be launching the recruitment of a permanent CEO.