Ferry Project is pleased to announce the appointment of our new CEO Designate, Sandra Ferreira.

Sandra has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the housing and homelessness sectors and knows the Fenland area well. She is passionate about helping people find suitable and affordable housing, and improving their quality of life and is committed to contributing to the social and economic development of the communities where she works. Her diverse experience working in complex and rapidly evolving organisations makes her well suited to leading Ferry Project forward in the years to come.

Sandra has a comprehensive understanding of the UK charity landscape, and her leadership  is grounded in trauma-informed and psychologically informed practice. Building upon Ferry Project’s pioneering legacy, she is looking forward to working with all stakeholders in taking on the challenge of creating lasting change, not only within the homelessness and housing sector, but also within the lives of each person Ferry Project helps on their journey from homelessness to independent living.

She says: “I come to this role not just with strategy, but with heart. At Ferry Project, our mission isn’t just to serve it’s to restore hope, reshape systems, and remind people they matter.”

Her role as CEO Designate will begin on 1st October 2025 which marks the start of a six-month induction period. After this, Sandra will move fully into the role of CEO on 1st April 2026.  

Keith Smith, Founder and current CEO of Ferry Project, who has been at the helm for 26 years, intends to retire on 31st March 2026. Keith says “It is a pleasure to welcome Sandra into Ferry Project. I am excited by all that she can bring and look forward to working with her to help homeless people in Fenland. It is wonderful to be able to hand over this important work to someone who really cares.”