The chief executive of the health and social care charity the Social Interest Group is to retire after 46 years in the voluntary sector. 

Gill Arukpe (pictured) will step down at the end of April after 16 years as chief executive of Penrose and latterly the Social Interest Group, which was formed through the merger of Penrose with Equinox in 2014. 

Before joining Penrose, Arukpe worked at charities including Turning Point, Shelter and the Novas Scarman Group. 

The Social Interest Group said Arukpe’s tenure had been “marked by remarkable growth, impactful partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to empowering society’s most marginalised individuals”. 

Karl Marlowe, chair of SIG, said “Under Gill’s leadership, SIG has expanded from a three- to a five-member organisation, extended its national reach across London, to Brighton, Luton, Bedford, Kent and Liverpool, and significantly increased sustainable funding from approximately £12m to £32m over the past eight years. 

“Her dedication has not only strengthened the organisation but also transformed the lives of many by increasing local employment opportunities within SIG’s services.”

Arukpe said she had had an “incredible” 16 years in the role. 

“It has been an honour to lead passionate and professional teams, forge strong partnerships and work alongside commissioners and key decision-makers to drive systemic change in housing, health and social care services. 

“The individuals we serve have been my greatest source of inspiration. I believe now is the right time for a new leader to guide SIG into its next chapter.”

The SIG said it had appointed Cathy Kane, who according to her LinkedIn profile was appointed a trustee of the charity in August, as interim chief executive. 

Kane has recently worked in the NHS but was chief executive of Just Advocacy, which promotes the rights of people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, and has worked for charities including the sexual health charity the Terrence Higgins Trust and gardening for health charity Thrive.