Anood Al-Samerai, our new CEO, shares why she is excited about leading the Community Southwark team and working with the VCS sector:
I am very excited about joining the team at Community Southwark and working with such brilliant voluntary and community groups across the borough. I know, from my own experiences working in, serving as a trustee of, and running charities, that training, support and networks make a real difference to organisations and their beneficiaries.
Southwark gave my family a home when we came to London suddenly as a result of the first Gulf War and it has always been where my heart is. I’ve been a community campaigner and local councillor here for almost two decades, so I am well used to working with charities and community groups to tackle inequalities and fight for better services.
Community Southwark has almost 1,000 member organisations from the voluntary and community sector, and it is my job as Chief Executive to make sure that our members lead our work. My priority will always be to listen to our members, give them the support they need, and champion the issues that matter to them. I look forward to saying hello to you in person over the coming months.