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Harpinder Collacott appointed Chief Executive of SafeLives to advance ambition to end domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.

Harpinder Collacott will join SafeLives as Chief Executive in mid-November, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience across social justice, international development, humanitarian action and systems change. Throughout her career, she has worked to address inequality, strengthen organisations and influence policy and practice to improve outcomes for people facing the greatest barriers and disadvantages.

 

An experienced Chief Executive, board leader and organisational strategist, Harpinder currently leads 4Thought Social Ventures, supporting organisations through periods of transformation, growth and strategic change. She has built a reputation for bringing together diverse stakeholders, including governments, civil society, philanthropy and communities, to tackle complex social challenges and drive lasting impact.

 

Most recently, Harpinder has supported Blue Ventures as Interim Chief Delivery Officer and previously led the Global Public Investment Network through a period of strategic and operational transformation. Prior to this, she served as Executive Director for Europe at Mercy Corps, one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations, and as Chief Executive of Development Initiatives, the global data and evidence organisation. Alongside her executive leadership roles, she currently chairs SOS Children’s Villages UK and has previously served as Vice-Chair of Bond and Trustee of WaterAid UK.

Photo of Harpinder Collacott, SafeLives CEO

I am honoured to be joining SafeLives as Chief Executive at such an important moment for the organisation and the wider movement to end domestic abuse. Throughout my career, I have worked alongside organisations and communities seeking to challenge inequality, shift systems and create lasting social change. Domestic abuse remains one of the most pervasive and damaging injustices in our society, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that everyone affected can access the support, safety and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.

SafeLives has a powerful track record of influencing systems, improving practice and centring the voices of people with lived experience. I am excited to work with colleagues, partners and survivors to build on these foundations, strengthen our impact and help create a future free from domestic abuse.

Harpinder Collacott

The Board is delighted to appoint Harpinder as SafeLives' new Chief Executive, and we look forward to welcoming her in November. Harpinder stood out for her passion for our mission, her strategic rigour and her track record of leading successful organisations through change and growth. The Board remains firmly committed to delivering our strategy, and we are confident that Harpinder’s leadership and shared values will help us build on our impact for those affected by domestic abuse.

The Rt Hon Dame Maria Miller, Chair of Trustees at SafeLives

I'm delighted that Harpinder will be joining SafeLives as our permanent Chief Executive. Her commitment to equity and social justice, combined with her experience of leading change in complex environments, makes her an excellent fit for SafeLives.

It has been a privilege to lead SafeLives through this period of transition. Over the coming months, my focus will be on maintaining momentum and supporting a smooth handover, and I look forward to working with Harpinder as she begins her leadership of the organisation.

Tracey Bleakley, Interim Chief Executive at SafeLives

Notes to editors

SafeLives is a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good. We work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. We look at the whole picture for every individual in the family, to get them the right help at the right time, so families everywhere can be safe and well.

Our strategy, Find what works. Help it happen, is grounded in survivor voice, evidence and best practice. We listen deeply to survivors, professionals and data. We analyse the systems, services and behaviours that shape people’s experiences. And we work side-by-side with local areas, government and organisations to embed real, lasting change.

Harpinder Collacott has more than 20 years’ experience across social justice, international development, humanitarian action and global policy. Prior to joining SafeLives, she held leadership roles at 4Thought Social Ventures, the Global Public Investment Network, Mercy Corps and Development Initiatives. She is currently Chair of SOS Children’s Villages UK. 4.

Media contact: [email protected] | 07956 885522 (press office 9am to 5pm)

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