Dear all,
I am very pleased to be writing to you today to let you know that the Board have now completed the full recruitment process for the Interim CEO role for Solace.
I am delighted to let you know that we have successfully appointed Judith Banjoko to the Interim CEO position.
The panel of Trustees, which included members with lived experience and service expertise, ensured a clear, transparent and robust application and interview process and worked with an external recruitment company to identify a strong range of applicants. We were determined to deliver a competitive process to find the right person to lead the organisation and as a result we interviewed very experienced and knowledgeable interim CEOs over a period of three days.
Against a tough field of competition, Judith demonstrated real passion and strategic understanding of the needs of Solace, coupled with determination to drive the organisation forward from this recently difficult time. Alongside her deep knowledge of services and real care for the staff team, volunteers and service users, we have total confidence that she will be the right woman for the role.
Judith has already developed a strong rapport with our commissioners and is building collaborative and more positive relationships with our partners. We felt that with her holistic approach, leadership skills and her ability to look over the horizon to the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead, she has demonstrated she has the ability to continue to build our charity whilst also focusing on the culture change required. We have no doubt that she will keep the women and children we serve at the heart of everything we do.
Judith will lead Solace as Interim CEO over the next 9 to 12 months whilst we recruit for the permanent appointment.
I know the Solace team will join me in congratulating Judith and will offer her your continued support as she takes up her new role starting on 1st December 2021.
Best wishes
Helen
Helen Hughes
Chair, Solace Women’s Aid