Nicholas has served in a variety of roles within the charity and non-profit sector, including as the interim chief executive at Child Poverty Action Group, Drinkaware, The Children Society and the Refugee Council.
She will join the RSPCA on 2 December to allow for a handover with current boss Chris Sherwood, who leaves to become the CEO of the NSPCC in January 2025.
Recruitment of a permanent CEO is underway and applicants will be shortlisted next month with interviews due to begin in the new year.
In the meantime, the RSPCA believes that Nicholas will provide leadership and bring stability to the organisation.
The announcement comes after a period of turmoil at the charity, with former vice president Sir Brian May stepping down from the role in response to an undercover investigation that revealed “appallingly bad standards of animal welfare in member farms of the RSPCA Assured scheme”.
Since then, Veganuary founder Matthew Glover has accused the RSPCA Assured scheme of welfare-washing and called for it to be dropped.
‘Refreshed strategy for 2025’
Commenting on the appointment, Nicholas said that she has long been admirer of the RSPCA.
“I’m excited to be joining in this interim role as the charity enters a third century of changing laws, changing industries and changing attitudes to make life better for animals we share our lives with,” she continued.
“I’m looking forward to working with the board and with our expert and passionate people as we enter 2025 with a refreshed strategy and even bigger ambitions and goals to inspire everyone to create a better world for every animal.”
Meanwhile, RSPCA chair of trustees Claire Horton said that the organisation was delighted to have hired Nicholas.
“She brings a wealth of experience from her impressive leadership of over 20 large charities and non-profit organisations,” added Horton.
“It is in an incredibly exciting time as we are focusing efforts on our frontline, education and advocacy work having an even bigger impact for animals, by working in partnership with others.
“Shān’s insight from working in the social sector, mental health, children’s and older people’s services and criminal justice will be invaluable in our purpose to inspire everyone to create a better world for every animal.”
