LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity Galop announces move to co-leadership model

Galop, the UK-based LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity, has announced a move to a co-leadership model with the appointment of Ben Kernighan and Jasmine O'Connor as new Co-Chief Executives.

Galop, which has been supporting victims and survivors of abuse and violence for over 40 years, works with LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, and forced marriage

It operates several national helplines, including dedicated lines for survivors of rape, domestic abuse, hate crime, and conversion therapy. The charity also provides assistance to those facing discrimination or challenges within the criminal justice system.

In addition to direct support, Galop is active in campaigning for legislative change. It has long advocated for parity in hate crime laws, pushing for crimes motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ hate to be treated as aggravated offences, on par with those motivated by racial or religious prejudice

Announcing the news on social media, Galop said: "We’re delighted to announce that Ben Kernighan and Jasmine O'Connor have been appointed as Galop’s new Co-Chief Executives, in an exciting move to a co-leadership model.

"Under the co-leadership model, decision-making, power, and responsibility will be shared between Ben and Jasmine."

Ben has been leading Galop as Interim CEO for the past 14 months and will be joined by Jasmine, who is currently CEO of Reset, around the end of October.

Ben and Jasmine said: “We are delighted to be appointed as co-CEOs of Galop. As the LGBTQ+ community faces some of its biggest challenges in decades, we look forward to working with the Galop team and our partners across all sectors to make the biggest possible difference for the survivors and victims of violence and abuse.”

Lenna Cumberbatch, Galop’s Chair of Trustees, said: “The charity sector as a whole is facing enormous pressure and, at a time when the LGBT+ community is navigating a particularly challenging and hostile environment, it is more important than ever for Galop to be ambitious as we look to the future.

"The Board believes co-leadership offers an exciting model for Galop to grow, as we take an inclusive approach to developing our new strategy.

"Together, Jasmine and Ben bring a breadth of valuable experience, insight, and networks, and we look forward to their joint leadership of Galop.”