The Office of the Third Sector’s director general Campbell Robb has been named as the new chief executive of homelessness charity Shelter.
He will join on 1 January 2010.
Robb (pictured) has spent three years at the OTS, where he led its creation, bringing together a number of different units from across the civil service into one organisation.
As its director general he was the lead civil servant within government on voluntary sector policy and practice, including responsibility for a large grants programme.
Prior to this he was head of public policy and campaigns departments at NCVO, where he spent eight years.
Announcing the move, Shelter chair Professor Tony Crook said: “We are very fortunate to have been able to attract such a strong candidate to the post.
“Campbell brings an outstanding combination of knowledge and skills, based on substantial experience of both government service and within the voluntary sector.
“This will enable him to give strong executive leadership to Shelter at this critical time for housing, both in terms of providing our housing advice and support services, and our campaigning for better housing for all.”
Robb, who succeeds Adam Sampson in the post, said that Shelter has “consistently fought and won many battles for some of the most excluded people in our society”.
He added: “Shelter is more crucial than ever and I look forward to working with clients, staff, donors and partners to make sure that everyone in this country has the right to a safe, affordable and decent home.”
Minister pays tribute
Angela Smith, minister for the third sector and social exclusion, paid tribute to Robb’s contribution at the OTS.
“Campbell has worked tirelessly to ensure the delivery of a tremendous and unprecedented programme of support for the third sector.
“With his team, he has delivered targeted and comprehensive support for third sector organisations – and more recently socially excluded communities.
“We are committed to ensuring there is no loss of momentum and that the staff of the two departments continue to provide excellent support for socially excluded communities and the third sector.”
The Cabinet Office said it will make an announcement on Campbell’s replacement “shortly”.
