Domestic abuse charity SafeLives has appointed Harpinder Collacott as its next chief executive, after its previous permanent leader took early retirement.
Collacott currently leads 4Thought Social Ventures and will take over from SafeLives’ interim CEO Tracey Bleakley in November.
The charity’s last permanent CEO Ellen Miller stepped down in March following the death of her husband.
Collacott previously held leadership roles at the Global Public Investment Network, Mercy Corps and Development Initiatives and is currently chair of SOS Children’s Villages UK.
She also formerly served as vice-chair of NGO umbrella body Bond and as a trustee of international development charity WaterAid UK.
“I am honoured to be joining SafeLives as chief executive at such an important moment for the organisation and the wider movement to end domestic abuse,” she said.
“Throughout my career, I have worked alongside organisations and communities seeking to challenge inequality, shift systems and create lasting social change.
“Domestic abuse remains one of the most pervasive and damaging injustices in our society, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that everyone affected can access the support, safety and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.
“SafeLives has a powerful track record of influencing systems, improving practice and centring the voices of people with lived experience.
“I am excited to work with colleagues, partners and survivors to build on these foundations, strengthen our impact and help create a future free from domestic abuse.”
Period of transition
SafeLives reported an income of £12.6m and expenditure of £11.3m in the year to June 2025, when it employed 114 people.
The charity, set up 22 years ago, published a new strategy in June last year.
Maria Miller, chair of SafeLives, said: “Harpinder stood out for her passion for our mission, her strategic rigour and her track record of leading successful organisations through change and growth.
“The board remains firmly committed to delivering our strategy, and we are confident that Harpinder’s leadership and shared values will help us build on our impact for those affected by domestic abuse.”
Tracey Bleakley, interim CEO at SafeLives, said: “It has been a privilege to lead SafeLives through this period of transition.
“Over the coming months, my focus will be on maintaining momentum and supporting a smooth handover, and I look forward to working with Harpinder as she begins her leadership of the organisation.”
