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SafeLives appoints Tracey Bleakley as Interim CEO

SafeLives has appointed Tracey Bleakley as Interim Chief Executive, following Ellen Miller’s decision to take early retirement this year.  

Tracey joins SafeLives with significant senior leadership experience across the charity sector and the NHS, with a strong track record in providing stability, governance and delivery during complex periods. She has previously led national charity organisations, including as Chief Executive of Hospice UK and Dying Matters, and has also held senior NHS leadership roles, including as Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board.  

Tracey Bleakley - SafeLives Interim CEO

I’m delighted to take on the role of Interim Chief Executive at SafeLives. I’ve spent over a decade leading national charities and, more recently, NHS organisations, with a focus on stability, governance and delivery during complex periods. My experience includes working across policing, safeguarding and voluntary sector partnerships, including domestic abuse. I’ve long admired the SafeLives approach since first coming across the organisation during my time working in policing, so I’m thrilled to be joining the charity.

I’m really looking forward to meeting colleagues and supporting the team to continue this incredibly important work, helping more families to be safer, sooner.

Tracey Bleakley, SafeLives Interim CEO

 

Rt Hon Dame Maria Miller, Chair of Trustees at SafeLives, said:
“Tracey brings exactly the kind of calm, values-led leadership SafeLives needs during a period of transition. We are very pleased to welcome her as Interim CEO. 

“I also want to thank Jo Silver and Liz Thompson for stepping in as Joint Interim CEOs over the past few weeks. Their leadership has ensured continuity, clear decision-making, and real care for our people while the Board progressed the interim appointment.  

“SafeLives’ three-year strategy, Find what works. Help it happen., remains firmly in place, and our focus continues to be on delivering against its priorities and strengthening our Whole Picture Framework, our blueprint for the change families need. Tracey’s appointment supports that momentum and strengthens our ability to deliver well, build confidence with partners and funders, and continue to develop SafeLives as a well-managed organisation. 

“Looking ahead, this interim period also gives us the space to run a thorough process to appoint a permanent CEO over the coming year, with meaningful opportunities for SafeLives employees and our Authentic Voice groups – Pioneers, Changemakers and Panel – to be involved in that process.” 

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.