18/06/2026
A message from our CEO, Alison:
It feels surreal to say, but this is my last week as CEO of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation. The last seven years have been a joy and a privilege. It is true for everyone in the team, we live and breathe SLF and it does become very much, who you are.
I remember my interview with Sylvia Lancaster and her warning when she offered me the job, that we weren’t glitzy and didn’t have a water cooler. The water cooler wasn’t on my radar, so we were all good. What did matter, was the profound opportunity to share Sophie’s story and use it to make change. So alternative people are seen, valued and safe. I have done my best to continue this legacy and am proud that we are secure, and what’s more, delivering groundbreaking work in our mission to challenge prejudice and intolerance.
To the staff team and Trustees, thank you for everything. You all work so hard, but with such creativity and humour. I’ll miss you. To industry colleagues who stand by our side to challenge hate – thank you, your work is more important than ever. To the community, thank you for your warmth and appreciation. Every day, your support has brought blessings. A special thank you to those who needed support following hate crime. Your words still resonate and I will be on your side forever.
We will do a welcome post on Monday to introduce our fabulous new CEO, so watch this space. Thank you for everything I know you will do, to make them welcome. I will be around until mid-July to hand over and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Keep being your wonderful selves – we see you and the world is such a better place with you in it. I have never signed off with this before, but I will do on this one occasion.
Love and Light,
Alison x
