Swindon & Wiltshire News
Domestic abuse charity appoints new interim CEO
Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service has appointed Kate Rowland as interim CEO to drive the charity forward with a renewed focus in bringing an end to domestic abuse.
Kate joined SDASS in 2021 as training and business development manager, responsible for working with businesses to deliver training and employee awareness sessions on domestic abuse, as well as looking at development opportunities and funding for the business as a whole.
SDASS has been working with survivors of domestic abuse in the town for 50 years, and aims to bring an end to domestic abuse through education, early intervention and training.
Kate’s extensive background in supporting families and young people through educational settings and her expertise in developing and delivering training has given her the skills and vision needed to lead the charity into its new future.
Kate explained: “I’ve always loved working for SDASS and all of the different aspects of the wide range of support we have provided over the years, but it was always the preventative and education work that really inspired me.
“This is a great opportunity to develop all facets of the organisation and continue our work that we hope will one day see rates of domestic abuse go down in Swindon and beyond and keep people safe.”
Chair of SDASS Nicky Alberry added: “As we navigate to a new way of working, Kate is the ideal person to help us move towards a future where we not only maintain our existing focus on education and prevention, but also review and implement other impactful ways we can utilise our skills and experience to achieve our goal of creating a society without abuse.
“This current phase in our development is crucial to our ongoing success and Kate steps into the role of interim CEO to not only co-ordinate our current programmes but to also work with the trustees to map out future projects.
“Our focus is now to refine and develop our innovative programmes working with young people, perpetrators and the community to raise awareness of domestic abuse and bring about an end through education, prevention and early intervention.
“Kate’s wide experience working in the education sector and supporting families has proved invaluable so far. In her role as Training and Business Development Manager, she has already brought in over a quarter of a million pounds for us in grant funding and has also been instrumental in ensuring we design and deliver top quality training.
“Additionally, her input in developing our HOPE Award will mean that countless young people across Swindon understand what makes a healthy relationship. Together with the rest of the board, I’m looking forward to working closely with Kate and seeing what we can achieve next.”
