Dame Sheila McKechnie was one of Britain’s most influential campaigners for social justice. Over a career spanning more than three decades, she combined research, public advocacy and grassroots mobilisation to challenge injustice and secure lasting reforms in housing and consumer protection.

She began her career in the trade union movement, becoming Assistant General Secretary of the Wallpaper Workers’ Union at just 24. In 1985 she became Director of Shelter, where she transformed the organisation into one of the UK’s most effective campaigning charities during a period of deep housing cuts. Under her leadership Shelter expanded dramatically, raising public awareness of homelessness and strengthening its role as a national voice for housing justice. During this time she also helped establish the National Homelessness Advice Service and co-founded the Foyer Federation, providing vital support for young people experiencing homelessness.

In 1995 McKechnie became Director of the Consumers’ Association, now known as Which?. There she led major campaigns on food safety, financial misselling and fair pricing for consumers. Her work during the BSE crisis helped lead to the creation of the Food Standards Agency in 2000, strengthening the UK’s system for protecting public health.

Known for describing herself as a “fully paid-up member of the awkward squad”, McKechnie believed that challenging powerful institutions was essential to achieving fairness. Her work demonstrated how determined, evidence-based campaigning could deliver real change.

She was awarded an OBE in 1995 and made a Dame Commander in 2001 for services to housing and consumer rights. Following her death in 2004, the Sheila McKechnie Foundation was established to support and train future generations of campaigners, continuing the legacy of one of the UK’s most effective advocates for social change.