Advocate announces departure of Rebecca Wilkie and welcomes new Chief Executive Officer

As CEO Rebecca Wilkie leaves Advocate, the organisation warmly welcomes Christopher Stacey.

After two six-year terms as Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Wilkie will be leaving Advocate.

Following Rebecca’s departure, we are delighted to announce that Christopher Stacey, currently Chief Executive of Prisoners Abroad, will join the organisation in late September as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Christopher brings almost two decades of experience in the voluntary sector, with a career focused on improving access to justice, tackling social exclusion and supporting people facing disadvantage. He joins from Prisoners Abroad, where he has served as Chief Executive for three years, leading the charity's work supporting British citizens imprisoned overseas and their families.

Prior to Prisoners Abroad, Christopher held senior leadership roles at both Clinks and Unlock, where he led services, policy and influencing work across the criminal justice sector. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with government, legal professionals, funders and community organisations to deliver services, drive organisational development and influence policy and systems change.

Christopher said:

"I am honoured and thrilled to be joining Advocate as its next Chief Executive Officer. Access to justice is fundamental to a fair society and, at a time when too many people continue to face legal problems without being able to access the support they need, Advocate's mission has never been more important.

I am passionate about ensuring that people's experiences are at the heart of how organisations and systems respond. I look forward to working with Advocate's talented staff team, trustees, volunteer barristers and partners across the legal and advice sectors to build on the organisation's strong foundations, extend its reach and maximise its impact for those seeking access to justice.”

Sharif Shivji KC, Chair of Advocate, welcomed the appointment, saying, 

"I’m delighted that Christopher is joining us as our new CEO. His expertise on access to justice, in particular for people in real need, will be crucial as we enter this next phase. We are excited about working with Christopher and leveraging the power of Advocate and the Bar to help more people in our justice system."