THE LEADER of a Rugby-based charity is stepping down after five years at the helm.
Sarah Roberts, the CEO of Practical Action, will leave the role in August.
Sarah became CEO during the pandemic and has led the organisation through a period of change.
The charity, which has its headquarters in Albert Street, works with people in developing countries to help them lift themselves out of poverty.
The charity said it had strengthened its global leadership, launched its 2025-2030 Resilient Futures strategy, and expanded major partnerships across Africa, Asia and Latin America during Sarah’s tenure, despite ‘one of the most turbulent periods for the development sector’.
Sarah will leave in August to take up the position at a UK-based charity which works with communities nationwide.
She said: “It has been a privilege to lead Practical Action and to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and partners around the world. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.
“The life-changing impact for people facing the twin challenges of the poverty and environmental crises, and the way that this is linked to longer-term changes will stay with me.
“In these challenging times, the work that Practical Action does is needed even more urgently. We have worked hard to develop and adapt so that we can continue collaborating closely with local partners to achieve the change that is so desperately needed.”
She said it was a ‘wrench’ to leave the charity, but was excited about her new role helping people facing disadvantage in the UK.
She added: “There is much that I have learned from my experience leading Practical Action that will continue to inform the way I work.”
Sazini Mojapelo, Chair of Practical Action’s Board of Trustees, said Sarah had guided the organisation with clarity, integrity and purpose, strengthening its global impact and positioning it for the future.
She added: “Sarah has made a significant contribution to advancing Practical Action’s mission and will leave the organisation in a strong and focused position for the future.
“Under her leadership, Practical Action’s 2025-2030 Resilient Futures strategy is already achieving significant milestones, as partnerships deliver resilient livelihoods and build thriving inclusive economies that work for people facing the interlinked challenges of poverty and the climate crisis.
“Her leadership has strengthened both our impact and our ambition, and we are grateful for the action-driven mindset, resilience and momentum she has brought to the organisation.
“We wish her every success in this next chapter.”
Visit www.practicalaction.org for more information on the charity, or to make a donation.
