Allsorts Welcomes New CEO

Nancy sat outside in front of some green bushes and trees. She has short hair and big square-framed glasses and is looking at the camera with a small smile. She's wearing an orange and yellow top with maroon dungarees.

We are delighted to announce that Allsorts Youth Project will be welcoming Nancy Kelley as our newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective from 3 November 2025.

Nancy Kelley joins Allsorts with extensive experience from across the public and not-for-profit sector, having held strategic leadership roles across government and LGBT+ organisations. Her last role was as the Executive Director of DIVA, and she has previously held CEO, Deputy CEO and Interim CEO roles at Stonewall, NatCen Social Research and Media for Development.

Nancy has a proven track record of uplifting marginalised voices and championing LGBT+ rights. She has also worked in youth spaces for Barnardo’s, as Children’s Rights Commissioner for London, and at NatCen. This puts her in a uniquely qualified position to lead Allsorts as we continue to benefit more LGBT+ and questioning children and young people, and their families.

Children, Young people, parents, carers, Board members, and an independent member were involved in Nancy's appointment and played a key part in the interview process. Nancy’s appointment follows on from Maralyn Smith’s time as CEO and a period of our senior leadership team, Billijean Summerbell, Ben Dew, and Ryan Gingell-Scott, stepping up to lead the organisation. We thank them for their efforts and are delighted to now have Nancy’s support in leading and developing the organisation further.

Sally Hill, Chair of Allsorts Board of Trustees, said, “Allsorts has provided an important, life-changing service for LGBT+ and questioning children and young people and their families across Sussex for 25 years. Our senior leadership team, previous CEOs and dedicated staff have given their all to ensure the success of Allsorts and increase our impact on our community.

“Nancy joins our already high-performing team with extensive expertise and commitment to our values and aims as an organisation, and we’re excited for Allsorts to continue to grow under her passionate leadership.”

Nancy Kelley, incoming CEO of Allsorts Youth Project, said, “Allsorts' work has always inspired me, so it is an absolute pleasure to have this opportunity to join the team.  LGBT+ children and young people in Sussex deserve to be safe and free to live their lives to the full.  Their families deserve support because parenting an LGBT+ child in an unkind world can be hard.  Allsorts will always offer an open door, a welcoming community and the help children and families need.”