News

CEO Summit: The reality we are in: Building a viable future together

February 23, 2026

Last Thursday, 19^th February, leaders of our Member Agencies came together in central London for a CEO Summit meeting.

The purpose of the day was not to campaign for more funding or around any of the other current sector-wide issues. The purpose was to face the reality the sexual violence sector is operating in, and what it will take to build a viable future for our specialist services and how we’re going to be able to survive as a sector, for survivors, their families and loved ones.

The day was an unusual but essential space for honest and tough conversations, with shared analysis of the current political and financial landscape. With the funding landscape shifting significantly, and in some areas drastically, the summit centred on the need to rethink how we work, how we collaborate, and how we support survivors in a climate where traditional models of funding and delivery are no longer sufficient on their own.

Collaboration, alignment and sector resilience

One theme echoed across the room: the sector and our Membership is stronger when we act collectively, not competitively. We want to thank everyone who attended for their honesty, commitment and engagement, for openly discussing challenging topics and addressing tough questions.

Commitment to change

This summit was not about revisiting past issues or campaigning for or against; it was and is about facing the reality of the moment and taking responsibility for shaping what comes next — together.

The Survivors Trust will be in touch with attendees and those who registered with a summary of the key themes, and opportunities for further involvement. If you’re interested in becoming a Member of The Survivors Trust, email us at info@thesurvivorstrust.org.

Photo gallery

Group of attendees seated at round tables at the CEO Summit, listening to speaker and co‑host Duncan Craig OBE

Group of attendees in round table discussions at the CEO Summit

Thank you

We are especially grateful to The Leathersellers’ Foundation for generously providing their venue and catering entirely pro bono to us.

With additional thanks to the following organisations for their support in organising and shaping the event: Survive, We are Survivors, RASASC Guildford, SurvivorsUK.

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