Fawcett Society and Young Women’s Trust have ended talks around a potential merger.

The move had been considered due to the charities’ common values around promoting equality for women and girls.

Talks had started in November 2020 between the two charities’ boards.

But in a joint statement the charities chairs said: “After considerable discussion, we identified many advantages to merging, but ultimately did not find enough evidence that a merger would significantly enhance the impact the respective charities have.”

The statement from Fawcett Society chair Fiona Mactaggart and Young Women’s Trust chair Jo-ann Robertson, adds that instead the charities will continue to work in partnership on projects and campaigns to tackle gender inequality.

“In the current environment there remains significant work to be done to address gender inequality,” says their statement.

“Both organisations will ensure their focus is on making the greatest impact possible through working closely with each other and other partners to create true equality for all women and girls.”

Last month Young Women’s Trust launched its Research Centre for Young Women’s Economic Justice. This aims to combine research and data on young women’s issues.



In July 2020 the Fawcett Society’s chief executive Sam Smethers announced she was stepping down after five years leading the charity.

The role is currently held on an interim basis by charity consultant and former human rights lawyer Felicia Willow.

Share Story: