Launching next month, the group aims to achieve equality between men and women working in the third sector to reach the top jobs. Currently most charity chief executives are men, and at senior level earn 20% more than their female colleagues.

Third Sector Women will work with female leaders, policy makers and membership bodies to achieve equality in pay and career opportunities, and to make work-life balance a reality in the sector.

Founder Rachel Whale said: “Many senior women do not earn the same as their male counterparts. We want to create a glorious escalator that will support women on their chosen direction of travel [in their] careers. Support will include role models, coaching and mentoring.”

Established in 2006 by independent development agency Vanilla, Third Sector Women will be officially launched on 1 May.