CEO reflections after my first 100 days at One in Four.
When I accepted the role of Chief Executive at One in Four, I knew I was joining an organisation with an exceptional reputation for supporting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. What I couldn’t fully appreciate until I arrived was the depth of expertise, compassion and commitment that exists throughout the organisation.
As I approach my first 100 days as CEO, I wanted to reflect on what I’ve learned, what has inspired me, and where I believe we’re heading together.
Listening first
One of my priorities has been to listen.
I’ve spent time with our management team, trustees, supervisors and volunteer therapists, learning about the challenges they face, the opportunities they see and, above all, what makes One in Four such a special organisation.
Every conversation has reinforced the same message: recovery from childhood sexual abuse is possible when survivors receive specialist, trauma-informed support from people who understand the complexity of trauma, the courage it takes to ask for help and the time they need.
I’ve also been reminded that behind every enquiry is a person. Every request for support represents someone taking an incredibly difficult step towards healing, often after carrying the impact of abuse for many years.
The people who make One in Four
What has struck me most is the people.
Whether meeting our dedicated staff, working alongside our trustees or hearing from our volunteer therapists, I have been inspired by the professionalism, generosity and compassion that define One in Four.
The therapeutic relationships our counsellors build with clients create safety, trust and consistency. Those relationships are life-changing, and they sit at the heart of everything we do.
I have also seen the quieter work that often goes unnoticed: the careful administration, governance, fundraising and operational support and training that enable our therapists to deliver the highest possible standard of care.
I’ve had heartfelt conversations with corporate volunteers who wish to share their skills and experience and want to make a difference, our funders with whom we enjoy building a relationship based on partnership.
Looking beyond our own organisation
During these first few months, I’ve had the privilege of representing One in Four at several important events and discussions across the sector.
In June, I attended a private parliamentary roundtable on Tackling Child Abuse, hosted by Shadow Home Office Minister for Safeguarding Alicia Kearns MP. Bringing together organisations working across safeguarding and child protection, the discussion explored the challenges facing survivors, opportunities for policy change and the importance of ensuring victims’ voices remain central to decision-making.
At the start of Small Charities Week, I joined the NCVO Small Charities Assembly, where leaders from across the voluntary sector came together to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing charities today. It was a timely reminder that while every organisation is unique, many of us are navigating similar issues around sustainability, organisational resilience, managing uncertainty and delivering greater impact with limited resources.
More recently, I attended a cross-sector symposium hosted by NAPAC and Leigh Day exploring ethical engagement with victims and survivors. This symposium brought together professionals and organisations supporting adult survivors of childhood abuse. The conversations focused on practical system change, meaningful collaboration and how organisations can work together to achieve better outcomes for those they serve. It was a valuable opportunity to share learning, strengthen relationships across the sector and reaffirm our collective commitment to improving support for survivors.
These events have reinforced my belief that collaboration matters. No single organisation can solve these challenges alone, but by working together, sharing knowledge and advocating collectively, we can strengthen support for survivors across the UK.
Building strong foundations
Alongside meeting people and listening, we’ve been focused on strengthening the organisation for the future.
Over the coming months, we will welcome a new North London Counselling Services Manager and a new Operations Manager.
We are looking to improve our data and outcome monitoring, strengthen governance, and continue to develop partnerships across the sector and with corporate supporters.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it is essential. Strong foundations enable us to deliver the highest-quality support to survivors and ensure that One in Four remains sustainable for years to come.
Looking ahead
Our priorities are clear:
We want to
- Increase access to specialist support
- Continue delivering outstanding trauma-informed services
- Invest in our staff, therapists, supervisors and volunteers
- Build the financial resilience that will allow us to help more survivors in the future.
Most importantly:
We want every survivor who reaches out to know they will be met with understanding, compassion and expertise.
Heartfelt thanks
Finally, I want to say thank you.
To our staff, volunteer therapists, trustees, funders, donors and partners, thank you for the commitment, generosity and belief you bring to One in Four every day.
These first 100 days have confirmed what I hoped when I accepted this role: One in Four is an extraordinary organisation with extraordinary people.
I am excited about what lies ahead, and I look forward to continuing this journey together as we build an even stronger future for survivors.
Thank you
Islay
Thank you for taking the time to read about my first few months at One in Four. If our work has inspired you, I hope you’ll consider becoming part of our journey. Whether you choose to make a one-off donation, become a regular supporter, or simply share our work with someone who cares about helping survivors, every act of support enables more people to access the specialist help they deserve.
Together, we can ensure that no survivor has to face recovery alone.
