The National Pro Bono Centre (NPBC) has announced two key appointments ahead of national Pro Bono Week, naming Esther McConnell (pictured) as its new chief executive officer and Sarah Oliver Scemla as a new member of its board of trustees. The appointments reflect the Centre’s commitment to strengthening governance, expanding access to justice, and fostering collaboration across the pro bono sector.
Esther brings over 15 years of experience in charity management, cross-sector leadership and policy development, with a focus on supporting vulnerable and marginalised communities. She joins from the East European Resource Centre, where as deputy CEO she oversaw services for vulnerable groups and shaped policy on labour exploitation. ‘It is an honour to be joining the National Pro Bono Centre,’ she said. ‘I am excited to work with our partners and the wider sector to build on this important work and advance access to justice across the UK.’
Sir Robin Knowles, NPBC’s board chairman, said: ‘Esther’s expertise and leadership will strengthen a sector already making a vital difference, while Sarah’s extensive pro bono experience and in-house perspective will help us broaden collaboration and innovation across the profession.’ He also thanked outgoing executive director Mary Dobson Smith for her ‘exceptional contribution’, noting that she will continue to support the NPBC in key areas.
Alongside McConnell’s appointment, Sarah Oliver Scemla brings more than 17 years of experience in global financial institutions and a strong track record in pro bono leadership. A dual-qualified solicitor in England & Wales and France, she has founded and chaired the Bank of America EMEA Pro Bono Committee and is a trustee of The Chancery Lane Project. Her addition to the board enhances the Centre’s ability to convene the legal profession and drive collaborative solutions to advance access to justice across the UK.
