A Stevenage-based charity has appointed a new CEO.

POhWER provides advocacy for people who find it difficult to get the support they need because of disability, illness, social exclusion and other challenges.

From January 2, it will be led by Vicky Browning OBE, as she becomes the interim CEO for an initial period of six months.

Ms Browning was previously CEO at the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations between 2017 and 2022, and helped develop a cross-sector collaboration that secured £750m in Treasury funding for charities at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

She was most recently interim CEO at The Whitehall & Industry Group, which brings together people in business, government and the charity sector.

Earlier this year, Ms Browning was awarded an OBE for services to the charity sector.

After her appointment was announced, Ms Browning said: “I’m excited to be joining POhWER to lead the dedicated staff team in supporting people across the UK to have their voices heard, to uphold their rights, and to be involved in decisions about their lives.”

Antony Kildare, chair of POhWER’s board of trustees,  added: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Vicky Browning OBE as POhWER's interim CEO.

"Vicky brings extensive charity sector and commercial experience and has an enviable reputation as an honest, collaborative and humble leader.”