Statement from the Chair of Trustees, Gina Connelly, on Behalf of Trevi

After 13 years of dedicated service, Hannah Shead has decided that now is the right time for her to step down from her role as CEO of Trevi.

The Board of Trustees are incredibly sad to see her leave, but we support and respect this important life decision as she embarks on the next exciting chapter personally and professionally.

We have been working with Hannah and the wider senior leadership team to ensure a smooth transition and Hannah has kindly agreed to remain in post whilst we appoint her successor. She will continue to provide support to the charity until the new CEO is in post, which we hope will be early 2025.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Hannah for all that she has done for the organisation, a period that she describes as both significant and fulfilling in her career.

Under Hannah’s exceptional leadership, Trevi has made remarkable strides in its mission to create safe and nurturing spaces for women to heal, grow, and thrive. Most notably, she has guided Trevi through a transformative period of growth, expanding from a single service supporting approximately 30 women annually to an organisation with four centres and two outreach programs, now assisting over one thousand women each year.

During Hannah’s tenure, Trevi has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious GSK Impact Award in 2020 and the Westcountry Women’s Award for Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls. These achievements are a testament to her unwavering commitment and visionary leadership.

Hannah’s decision to step down was not made lightly. However, after 13 years, she feels that now is the time is right to explore new opportunities. Hannah is a passionate advocate for change, known for her relentless dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable women. She has played a pivotal role at a strategic level, serving on numerous boards and forums, where she has effectively articulated the experiences and needs of women to key stakeholders.

Hannah remains deeply committed to the women’s sector and the fight to end male violence against women and girls. She has exciting plans ahead, including independent consultancy work, and we are confident that she will continue to make a significant impact in her future endeavours. We eagerly anticipate the next chapter of her career and the positive change she will undoubtedly bring.

As we move forward, I am confident that Trevi will continue to grow and thrive, driven by our passionate staff, dedicated volunteers, and generous supporters and partners. The Board remains inspired by the tenacity, compassion, courage, and commitment of everyone within our community. Our mission is more vital than ever, and we are certain that this incredible community will continue to make a profound difference for women and children in need.

Hannah has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of her journey with Trevi. She will be reaching out personally to many before her departure.

“It won’t surprise anyone to know that this was a really tough decision, everyone knows how much I love Trevi! However, now is the right time for me to explore some different opportunities. I also have a long list of things that I want to do more of… consultancy, feminist activism, swimming in the sea, reading, writing, travel, hanging out with my children, adventuring with friends.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout my Trevi journey. I feel so blessed to have been part of such an incredible organisation. I have learnt a lot and been endlessly inspired by the many women I have walked alongside, as colleagues, as beneficiaries and as friends.

I look forward to seeing what the next season will bring for Trevi. I have every confidence that this fantastic charity will continue its important work both locally and nationally.”

The search for our new CEO will commence shortly and will be led by Anna Jay, Managing Director of Public Leaders Appointments. Any enquiries regarding recruitment of the post should be directed to Anna via email at anna@publicleadersappointments.com