Refuge appoints former Save the Children boss as new CEO

Domestic abuse charity Refuge is delighted to announce the appointment of Gemma Sherrington as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Gemma, a dedicated advocate for social justice with over 20 years’ experience in the charity sector, joins Refuge from Save the Children UK, where she has worked since 2007 following previous roles at the NSPCC, Cardinal Hume Centre and WaterAid.

During her time at Save the Children, Gemma held a number of senior positions, ultimately serving as Executive Director of Fundraising and Marketing before becoming interim CEO in February last year.

As CEO, she was responsible for delivering a new long-term vision and 2025-2027 strategy for the charity. She is now eager to make a lasting impact at Refuge, the UK’s leading provider of specialist domestic abuse services.

Gemma says: “I am deeply committed to driving meaningful change and ensuring that Refuge continues its crucial work in supporting those impacted by domestic abuse. The Government has committed to halving violence against women and girls (VAWG) over the next decade, and I will do everything in my power to help make that a reality. The current epidemic of VAWG is intolerable and must not be allowed to persist.”

Gemma will begin her new role on 24 March, succeeding Abigail Ampofo who was appointed Interim CEO in March 2024 and will be leaving the charity as planned.

Refuge’s Chair of Trustees, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, said: “We are excited to welcome Gemma as our new CEO. Whilst we have made significant progress in addressing domestic abuse, we know there is still much work to be done. We are eager to leverage Gemma’s extensive leadership experience, as well as her dedication and passion, helping to bring us closer to our vision of a world where domestic abuse and violence against women and girls are no longer accepted.”

She added: “We would also like to express our gratitude to Abigail for the outstanding work she has done since joining us as Director of Service Delivery in 2021, and for expertly leading the charity as Interim CEO during our search for a permanent replacement.”

Gemma is a proud Trustee and Deputy Chair of London’s Air Ambulance. In her spare time, she is an advocate of mental health awareness and well-being and enjoys the gym and long, muddy walks with her sons Sonny and Jude, partner Luke, and dog Ziggy.