Posted 11th August 2025
After much reflection, I’ve decided that the time is right for me to step down as CEO of the Institute for Social Value. This hasn’t been an easy decision, nor is there another job waiting in the wings – simply a deep conviction that now is the right moment to pass the baton.
I’ve always believed leadership is about growth, not ownership – it’s about building something that’s bigger than any one individual. ISV was never meant to belong to one voice or one face. My vision was to create a growing community, powered by collaboration, curiosity, and shared purpose.
“One of my proudest moments…when we became The Institute for Social Value…”
Isabelle Parasram OBE
I feel that, after years of being the very visible leader of ISV, the only way to see that vision completely fulfilled is to step down – to allow for that growth.
As a parent of four, I’ve learned that stepping back is sometimes the most courageous and powerful thing you can do. That’s the spirit in which I’ve made this decision.
Over the coming months, I’ll be working closely with the Board, our team, and our community to ensure a thoughtful and smooth transition. Following that, I remain committed to staying actively involved in the ISV community
I’m confident that ISV is in a strong position to begin its next chapter – with a new ISV Council, a reimagined conference, and the upcoming launch of our new website and membership packages.
We rarely get to choose how we’ll be remembered – but we can choose how we say goodbye.
So, I’ll say a formal goodbye at our Birmingham conference in October and will then continue in my role for a time to support a smooth leadership handover.
And, to mark this milestone in a more heartfelt way, I’ll be leading a 10K walk later this year in honour of two people close to our ISV community who’ve been affected by cancer – Emma, a dear friend of our Co-Chair Penny who recently passed away, and Antonietta, the mother of our colleague Val.
To walk this final stretch with you (literally!) feels like the right parting – raising money together for a cause close to our hearts, and saying farewell in a way that reflects who I am.
If you’d like to join us – in person or in spirit – you can sign up here
On a personal note, thank you to those who have walked this extraordinary, enriching and transformative journey with me – for your encouragement, your trust, and your belief, both in me and in what ISV can be.
With gratitude,
Isabelle