Sarah has made a significant contribution to advancing Practical Action’s mission and will leave the organisation in a strong and focused position for the future.
Sarah Roberts steps down after five years leading Practical Action
News
In her five years as CEO, Sarah has guided the organisation with clarity, integrity and purpose, strengthening our global impact and positioning Practical Action for the future.
Sarah became CEO in 2021, in the middle of the global Covid pandemic, and has led Practical Action through one of the most turbulent periods for the development sector. A key initial focus was to reshape the leadership team so that it became truly diverse and global, and ensuring that Practical Action’s strategy is driven by the communities lived realities in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Under her leadership, Practical Action’s 2025-2030 Resilient Futures strategy is already achieving significant milestones, as partnerships deliver resilient livelihoods and build thriving inclusive economies that work for people facing the interlinked challenges of poverty and the climate crisis. These include developing the organisation’s most far-reaching partnerships so far, such as the Andes Amazon Biodiverse Landscapes Fund, Resilient Agriculture for Youth in Africa and Scaling Clean Cooking in Asia.
Sarah leaves in August to take up the position at a UK-based charity which works with communities nationwide.
Sazini Mojapelo, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:
“Her leadership has strengthened both our impact and our ambition, and we are grateful for the action-driven mindset, resilience and momentum she has brought to the organisation. We wish her every success in this next chapter.“
Reflecting on her time at Practical Action, Sarah Roberts said:
“It has been a privilege to lead Practical Action and to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and partners around the world. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.“
The life-changing impact for people facing the twin challenges of the poverty and environmental crises, and the way that this is linked to longer-term changes will stay with me.
“In these challenging times, the work that Practical Action does is needed even more urgently. We have worked hard to develop and adapt so that we can continue collaborating closely with local partners to achieve the change that is so desperately needed.”
Speaking about her next role she added:
“While it is a wrench to leave Practical Action, I am really excited about my new role, which aligns so closely to my interests and values and enables me to make a difference in the UK, including for people facing disadvantage. There is much that I have learned from my experience leading Practical Action that will continue to inform the way I work.“
The Board of Trustees is now working closely with the Global Leadership Team to ensure a smooth and effective transition. Further updates on the process for appointing a Chief Executive will be shared in due course.
Under Sarah’s leadership Practical Action’s income and impact grew in 2025/26 – a year of unprecedented challenge in for International Development organisations. The Board and leadership team remain fully committed to delivering its 2025–2030 strategy and to maintaining the strong partnerships and programmes that underpin its work globally. Our mission has never been more urgent—and our collective focus remains on enabling people to transform their own lives and build resilient futures.
As we look ahead, we do so with confidence: in our strategy, in our leadership, and in the strength of our global community.
Because big change starts with Practical Action. And that means it starts with all of us.
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