SallyAnn Kelly OBE has been appointed as chair of Shelter Scotland, also becoming a trustee and vice chair of Shelter. Ms Kelly will formally take up the position in September, taking over from outgoing chair Kezia Dugdale.

Ms Kelly will support the housing and homelessness charity in its national fight against the housing emergency at a critical moment. The number of children trapped in temporary accommodation has reached a record high and housing has become one of Scotland’s defining social issues.

Ms Kelly has been a fierce voice campaigning on child poverty and children’s services and will bring over 35 years of experience working in the public and third sector. She was awarded an OBE in 2022 for her services to children and young people in Scotland.

With 11 years of leading Aberlour Children’s Charity as CEO, and as a qualified social worker, Ms Kelly has a deep understanding of how investing in housing means investing in health, education, opportunity and stronger communities.

SallyAnn Kelly OBE said: “Everyone has the right to a safe, secure, affordable home but as Scotland remains in a housing emergency, many people are having their rights refused. I am honoured to be appointed as chair of Shelter Scotland at such a critical moment when over 10,000 children are without a home and housing rights are being threatened.

“I have long admired Shelter Scotland’s mission and share its commitment to the fight for home. With 17 years of experience in the children’s charity sector, I know that home is the foundation that gives children the opportunity to thrive. I look forward to working with the Board and the Shelter Scotland team in the fight to end the housing emergency.

“I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Kezia Dugdale for the energy and commitment she had brought to this role, she leaves the position with the gratitude and best wishes of everyone at Shelter Scotland.”

Gordon Llewellyn-MacRae, interim director at Shelter Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to welcome SallyAnn to Shelter Scotland. Her deep understanding of how children’s rights, poverty and housing is intertwined will be a valuable asset to our work.

“This is a critical moment as housing has become a defining social issue in Scotland. Too many people are losing their homes, too many people are unable to find a new home, and we are not building enough social homes. With SallyAnn’s many years of expertise and passion for fighting for systemic change, we will continue to fight for a future where everyone in Scotland has a safe, secure and affordable place to call home.

“On behalf of everyone at Shelter Scotland, I’d also like to thank Kezia for her outstanding leadership as chair over the past five years. Her dedication and passion for the cause have made a huge difference in the fight for home.”

Kezia Dugdale, outgoing Shelter Scotland chair, said: “It has truly been a privilege to be chair of Shelter Scotland for the last five years. I am proud of what we have achieved, and I know that SallyAnn will continue the fight for home at this critical moment. The expertise and insight she will bring to the role from a remarkable career of public service means that Shelter Scotland could not be in better hands.

“SallyAnn and Shelter Scotland have my full support as the fight for home has never been more important.”