Shelter chief executive Polly Neate is quitting her role at the head of the campaigning charity, citing “personal reasons”.

Although she is now standing down until March, after seven years in the post, an acting chief executive has already been named – Tim Gutteridge, the charity’s current chief operating officer. 

Neate, who has been something of a thorn in the wide of the private rental sector because of her frequent criticisms of landlords and letting agents, says this is the right moment in Shelter’s 10-year strategy cycle to move on.

Neate – made a CBE for services to tackling homelessness – says: “I joined Shelter because I know that an end to homelessness and housing insecurity in this country is not a wild fantasy – it is an achievable reality.  

“I feel immensely proud of how Shelter has led the pursuit of that goal over the last seven years. Deciding to leave has been an incredibly difficult decision, but I know the time is right, both personally and for the organisation. 

“I’ll forever be grateful to the incredible colleagues, volunteers and supporters who have enabled us to achieve so much in my time here.

“With their passion and focus, I know Shelter will continue to draw public and political attention to the housing emergency, champion the building of more social homes as the only answer to that emergency, and fight to defend the right to a safe home for everyone.  

“When we do finally have a country where homelessness is a thing of the past and everyone can afford a decent place to live, every one of those Shelter employees, volunteers and supporters will have been instrumental in that achievement.” 

Shelter’s chair Helen Baker adds: “On behalf of Shelter’s board and staff, I’d like to express our deepest thanks to Polly for everything she has achieved over the last seven years.

“Her impact on Shelter and the wider housing and charity sectors is both incalculable and inspirational. 

“Under her leadership, Shelter has truly shifted the public discourse on housing, driving a much fuller understanding of the housing emergency, its causes and solutions, to the top of the political agenda.  

“Polly is a born change-maker and an indefatigable force for social justice. We wish her all the very best at wherever she chooses to take that passion and leadership next.”

Neate will continue to sit on the boards of the Young Women’s Trust and Women in Sport, and as a non-executive director of Wessex Local Medical Committees.