Gemma Sherrington

CEO at Refuge

Gemma has over 20 years of experience in the charity sector starting out as a graduate trainee fundraiser for the NSPCC. Gemma went on to specialise in community fundraising at The Cardinal Hume Centre, WaterAid and Save the Children. Gemma spent 17 years at Save the Children where she held Director roles in community fundraising, retail, innovation and campaign fundraising before becoming the Executive Director of Fundraising and Marketing for 6 years. During that time Gemma led teams that developed and scaled Christmas Jumper Day, rolled out a specialist retail chain, raised millions in emergency appeals and reversed a decline in regular giving. 

All of Gemma's work is underpinned by building high performing teams and organisations, with a focus on high autonomy and accountability. Following a year as Interim CEO at Save the Children Gemma is now CEO of Refuge, the UK's largest specialist domestic abuse charity. Gemma is also Deputy Chair of London's Air Ambulance who have just successfully closed a £15m capital appeal to fund 2 new helicopters.