Former JWA chief executive accuses charity of ‘intimidation’

The former chief executive of Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA), who left the role after just one month, has taken to social media to accuse the charity of ‘intimidation’.

Alison Rosen, the former head of WIZO, was announced as the successor to JWA predecessor, Naomi Dickson in January. Rosen officially began work in the role in March, taking over from Dickson, who was asked to lead the Jewish charity Norwood late last year.

However, Rosen left after one month, saying: “I was very much aligned with the values of the organisation and the tremendous work that the charity does with women, to prevent abuse. With that in mind, I was shocked, to be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement about my departure.”

She has now taken to Facebook to shed further light on her abrupt exit, writing: “Intimidating people to sign an NDA is not good practice. I am now putting this episode behind me and I am establishing an Interim management and charity consultancy portfolio. I have been overwhelmed with the support I have received from close friends and colleagues and am looking forward to using my 30 years of expertise to benefit the sector.”

Included in the comments on the social media post are words of support in a personal capacity from Marie van der Zyl, (President of the Board of Deputies), who writes: “I have known and worked with you for years and have no doubt about your dedication and abilities. I was shocked to receive a letter saying you had left and to hear that you had been asked to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement about your leaving. As an employment lawyer of many years standing I would certainly not do that. Nor should an anti abuse charity. I’m sorry you had to write this post and wishing you all the best.”

A spokesperson for JWA told Jewish News: “Alison Rosen leaves with our thanks and very best wishes for the future.”

At the time of her appointment, Rosen said: “I am looking forward to working again within the Jewish community and getting to know the various organisations in the wider violence against women and girl’s sector. I aim to help grow the charity’s income so that the ever-increasing need for services can be met, ensuring that no Jewish woman needs to face domestic abuse and sexual violence alone.”