Diversity in the charity sector

Over recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the persistent lack of diversity at senior leadership and board level across the charity sector.

ACEVO monitors diversity through its annual Pay and Equalities Survey. Every year, the findings have consistently highlighted unacceptably low representation of CEOs from Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnic backgrounds. In 2025, the proportion of CEO respondents from Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnic backgrounds remained largely unchanged at 6%, with no responses in that year from Black CEOs.

These findings underline the scale of the challenge facing civil society. Significant and sustained action is needed to remove structural barriers, widen access to senior leadership roles and ensure that a broader range of lived experiences informs decision-making, research and sector-wide monitoring.

Our vision is for civil society leadership to reflect the communities’ organisations seek to serve and support. Everyone in leadership or who aspire to lead should have equitable access to development opportunities, progression and influence. We believe that achieving this is essential to building a stronger, fairer and more effective charity sector.