Jewish Women’s Aid chief named new Norwood CEO

The UK’s largest Jewish charity has appointed a new chief executive who is one of the country’s foremost campaigners on women’s rights.

Naomi Dickson, who has led Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA) for eight years, is to take the helm at Norwood, where the remit includes supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and mental ill health.

Dickson has worked both within and outside the Jewish community, with stints at Jewish Blind & Disabled (JBD) as well as at the Notting Hill Housing Trust, alongside trusteeships at Home-Start UK and the Cavell Nurses’ Trust.

Yet it is in her role at JWA that she came to national prominence, doubling the organisation’s operating income and latterly being named as one of the BBC’s 100 Women of 2020.

“I have long admired Naomi for her advocacy and tireless campaigning on women’s rights,” said Norwood chair Neville Kahn.

“As an established community and charity leader, she brings strong leadership skills, communal knowledge, and significant fundraising experience. Her person-centred ethos made her the outstanding candidate for the role of chief executive. We look forward to her bringing that to our work.”

Dickson replaces Dr Beverley Jacobson, who stepped down earlier this year. “I am delighted to be joining Norwood as the charity enters the exciting next phase in its history,” she said. “I am committed to ensuring that we continue to adapt to meet the changing needs of the community.”