The Chartered Institute of Fundraising has appointed a new chief executive following the departure of Peter Lewis earlier this year.

Katie Docherty will take to the helm in October, following a transition period with Dhivya O'Connor, the current interim leader.

Docherty will join the organisation from Fife, in Scotland, making her the first Scottish-based leader for the CIoF.

She has spent the past five years as CEO of Scouts Scotland, but is also a former fundraiser for Anthony Nolan, senior manager for Age Scotland, and director of the association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations (ACOSVO).

Docherty was also recently appointed by the Scottish Government as a board member at Children's Hearings Scotland (CHS).

In her spare time, she is an Assistant Beaver Scout Leader, football season ticket holder and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts.

Docherty said she is 'excited' to take on the role at a 'critical time' for the organisation, which has recently been criticised for its handling of sexual harassment allegations, made against members of the umbrella body.

An independent inquiry was launched into the organisation, but found 'no wrongdoing' by former chief executive Peter Lewis in the handling of the complaints.

“Fundraisers need a strong, bold, and inspirational Chartered Institute which champions excellence in fundraising; the highest standards of ethics; and empowers and respects fundraisers to create safe environments for fundraising and fundraisers to flourish and be successful," Docherty said.

“That is why I am excited to take on this role at this critical time and look forward to connecting and listening to members over the coming months so that we can work on this together.”

Chartered Institute of Fundraising interim chair Nadine Campbell added: “I’m thrilled that Katie will join us and, on behalf of the Board, offer her a very warm welcome to the Chartered Institute. As we embark on a new chapter, we’re confident that she will lead us to become a membership body that fundraisers from all over the UK can be proud of and be a leading agent of change at such an important time for us.”

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