New Face Leads the Sanctuary

27 February 2023

New Face Leads The IOW Donkey Sanctuary


The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary has appointed a new Chief Executive, to lead the sanctuary from the 20th of February 2023.


Susan McCall, originally from Perth and latterly from Cambridgeshire, was appointed to the role and is moving to the island in mid-February. Susan is bringing with her various pets consisting of, 34 sheep, 3 horses, 2 dogs and a cat, an indication of her love for animals!


Susan has played a leading role in several charities, in particular the Ride High Equine Charity in Milton Keynes, which specialised in developing interactions of equines with people with additional needs.

Susan impressed the staff at the charity with her equine background, her business knowledge, her love of animals, and her focus on helping people make the most of their talents and abilities.



Dawn Finney, Chair of Trustees at the sanctuary said, "Susan will make a real difference to the sanctuary. She will consolidate on our success of the last few years and will make the most of new opportunities for the charity. Susan will bring a fresh energy to the team and they are all looking forward to working with her".


Recent Posts

by abigail.fox 28 May 2026
If you’re an HR professional looking to reconnect with the people side of your role, this is a wonderful opportunity to join our compassionate, values led team. At the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary everything we do is guided by a clear purpose: providing refuge, new beginnings and exceptional care for donkeys and other equines in need. We’re looking for someone who values collaboration and who brings warmth and integrity to their work. You’ll be excited by the opportunity to combine your HR expertise with building meaningful relationships across the sanctuary. By supporting our team of staff and volunteers you’ll be making a lasting difference for both people and animals. What you’ll be doing Build positive relationships with staff and volunteers, providing a warm, approachable first point of contact for people-related support and guidance Support the recruitment and onboarding, helping create a welcoming and engaging experience for new team members and volunteers from first contact onwards Coordinate meaningful inductions, training, and development opportunities that help people feel confident, connected, and set up for success Help foster a positive, values-led culture by supporting wellbeing, performance conversations, and people experiences across the organisation Work collaboratively with managers to ensure people processes are delivered smoothly, fairly, and with integrity Key Skills & Experience Level 3 CIPD qualification (minimum) Experience in HR administration and recruitment for a similar size organisation Strong organisational and time management skills Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities Knowledge of HR systems and employment compliance Ability to handle confidential information with discretion Why work with us? At the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, every day is a chance to make a difference — for our animals, our visitors, and our community. You’ll join a friendly, supportive team where kindness, connection, and care are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re helping someone settle into a new role, supporting colleagues, encouraging volunteer engagement, or building strong relationships across the organisation — your role will offer the chance to reconnect with the people side of HR while contributing to our vision of being a centre of excellence in donkey welfare. If this role is for you please apply on Isle of Wight Jobs .
A donkey looking over a fence
by abigail.fox 21 May 2026
Thank you to you!
Two people looking at each other with a donkey on either side of them
by abigail.fox 3 May 2026
Book a Donkey Experience for 2 this May and save £20!
A brown donkey with a white nose leaning it's head on a fence.
by abigail.fox 3 April 2026
There's lots happening at the sanctuary this spring.
by abigail.fox 3 April 2026
Come and join us this half term - 23 to 31 May
A donkey looks over a fence with his face resting on a 'do not feed the animals' sign
by abigail.fox 2 April 2026
It's so important that you don't feed them...
Show More