Monica Shafaq named as CEO of Gordon Moody
Shafaq’s new role will take effect from January 2024. Her previous role with The Kaleidoscope Plus Group spanned 13 years, beginning in 2010. During this time she spearheaded The Kaleidoscope Plus Group’s rebrand from Sandwell Mind.
“I am leaving The Kaleidoscope Plus Group with a heavy heart but filled with pride for what the team has achieved over the past 13 years,” said Shafaq. “We have done some extraordinary work together fighting for mental health equality and I know that we will remain strong allies going forward.”
She also serves as a trustee of the Professional Footballers’ Association charity and as a non-executive director at the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Shafaq succeeds interim CEO Matthew Hickey. Hickey will continue to support Gordon Moody’s leadership team until the end of 2023.
Under Hickey’s leadership, Gordon Moody’s treatment capacity grew from 120 to 270 per year. Hickey also oversaw the opening of Gordon Moody’s women-only residential treatment centre in 2021.
Emphasising Gordon Moody’s values
Shafaq said it is a “privilege” to be appointed as the charity’s new CEO. She added that she is looking forward to making positive change.
“It is a huge privilege to have been appointed the new CEO of Gordon Moody,” said Shafaq. “It’s an honour to lead an organisation that is committed to making a positive impact to the lives of those affected by gambling harm and to work with the remarkable team of passionate individuals.
“Together, we will work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide support and a path to recovery. I am excited to collaborate with existing partners and stakeholders as well as forging new relationships to drive meaningful change.”
Claire Arnold, trustee at Gordon Moody, said Shafaq’s experience will help to propel Gordon Moody’s core aims.
“Monica brings a wealth of experience from her work in the charity sector, most recently from The Kaleidoscope Plus Group and her energy for achieving social change will be a huge asset to Gordon Moody,” said Arnold.
“We look forward to the new era of leadership under her guidance and are confident that her expertise will contribute significantly to our mission of addressing gambling harm and its profound impact on individuals and families.”