Charity’s CEO, Gill Arukpe, MBE, Leaving Social Interest Group (SIG)

A message from Dr Karl Marlowe, Chair of SIG:

Having worked with Gill for the last eight years, it is with a mix of gratitude and sadness that we announce the departure of our CEO, who has decided to step down as CEO of Social Interest Group after 16 years of dedicated service with it and the Group’s predecessors. 

Under Gill’s leadership, Social Interest Group has achieved remarkable milestones, the expansion of the Group from three to five members, expanding our national reach to work in Brighton, Luton and Liverpool, with an impact on some of the most marginalised in society, increasing our sustainable funding from circa £12m to now circa £30m over the last eight years, and making a significant social impact on the communities by increasing the employment of local people to work in our services. Gill’s vision and commitment have been recognised in the 2024 New Year Honours’ List and rewarded an MBE. 

On behalf of the board, staff, and the entire SIG community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Gill and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. 

Interim Leadership:

I am pleased to announce that Cathy Kane will join Social Interest Group as Interim CEO with effect from 18th February. Cathy has many years of experience working in the charity sector across strategic, advisory and finance roles in Peabody Trust, Terence Higgins Trust, the Royal Courts of Justice Specialist Advice Bureau, Thrive (Horticulture for People with Disabilities) and was the CEO for Just Advocacy, providing professional advocacy for those with learning difficulties, autism and complex needs. Cathy also has significant experience delivering change within a range of organisations in Health and Social Care, leading projects in digital transformations and designing clinical models of care across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Groups and Bristol & North Somerset Integrated Care Board. Most recently, she provided consultancy support to Primary Care Networks across the country, working with Clinical Leads to understand national and local priorities. Cathy joined SIG in August 2024 as a trustee; since then, she has proactively been getting to know our work and services, including participating in our recent Women’s Strategy Day and visiting Aspinden Care Home, New Hope and Penrose Drive IAP. Cathy will spend her first few weeks working alongside Gill Arukpe, ensuring a thorough and smooth transition.

A message from Gill Arukpe, MBE, Group CEO: 

After 16 years of dedicated service as CEO of Penrose and founder of Social Interest Group, I am announcing my decision to step down from my role at the end of April 2025. During this time, I have had the honour of leading passionate, caring and professional teams. I have had the additional privilege of building strong partnerships and working with commissioners and key decision-makers over this period to make long-term systematic changes in how we provide housing, health and social care services. I drew inspiration from the very people we seek to serve, support and care for. I believe it is the right time for a new CEO to lead SIG to its next destination and strategic plan. 

My leadership has been driven by a passion for social and healthcare changes, creating strong infrastructure and financial sustainability within the charities I have served. I have always prioritised people, ensuring inclusive, high-quality services. I leave Social Interest Group with a heavy heart but know I do so, leaving it well-positioned for continued growth and an exciting new 5-year strategy. 

Thank you for the opportunity to lead and serve. I am excited to see Social Interest Group continue to thrive and make a positive impact. As I embark on the next phase of my personal journey. I eagerly look forward to new challenges and opportunities ahead. 

The board of trustees is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will now begin the search for a new CEO.