Freedom from Torture announces CEO transition

Freedom from Torture today announced that Sonya Sceats will be stepping down as Chief Executive on 31 March 2026, after eight years at the helm of the charity. 

Under Sonya’s leadership, Freedom from Torture has supported thousands of survivors of torture to find safety and rebuild their lives, delivering life-changing clinical services and developing pioneering models for survivor care. The charity has also won numerous awards for its campaigns to uphold human rights and challenge impunity, achieving landmark legal and policy victories. 

The Board will be appointing an interim CEO to lead the organisation for the next 9-12 months while a permanent CEO is recruited. The charity’s Senior Management Team will continue to oversee operations and strategy during this transition. 

Sonya will remain fully engaged until her departure, ensuring a smooth handover and supporting the next phase of Freedom from Torture’s work. 

Kate Sayer, Chair of the Board, said: 

“We are really sorry to see Sonya go, but we are confident she will do a brilliant job for the world of international law at BIICL – which we will all benefit from. We are immensely grateful for her tireless dedication to survivors and the positive impact she has made on Freedom from Torture.” 

Sonya Sceats, Departing Chief Executive, said: 

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to lead Freedom from Torture. I am proud that survivors now hold power across our charity – serving on our Board and senior management team, co-designing and delivering services and campaigns, and leading advocacy in the UK and globally. Together, we have raised our clinical and advocacy work to the top of our field.”