Sam Smethers, the chief executive of equality charity Fawcett Society is to step down “to rebalance my life”.

Smethers will be leaving the charity in December after five years but says she plans to carry on being involved in equality issues.

“After five fantastic years at Fawcett I have decided it is time for me to step down. I will be leaving in December,” Smethers said.

“I remain fully committed to the issues we are campaigning on and the important work we do but I think Fawcett could benefit from some new leadership and fresh energy and I need to take a step back to rebalance my life.

“It has been such a privilege to do this job, and I have loved it. I am extremely proud of the work we have done and what we have achieved together. There are so many people I need to thank - all our members and supporters, our allies, funders, local groups, partners and volunteers, all our trustees and also my wonderful staff team past and present.”

“I plan to stay involved in equality and social justice issues one way or another as that is what I care deeply about and I look forward to seeing Fawcett go from strength to strength in the months and years ahead.”

The Fawcett Society’s roots date back around 150 years and was originally named the London National Society for Women’s Suffrage. It is named after women’s suffrage pioneer Milicent Fawcett.

Its campaigns including equal pay, equality in power, as only around a third of women and local councillors are currently women. It is also campaigning around women’s rights during Covid-19.

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