Work Avenue chief executive Debbie Sheldon will be leaving the employment charity in May, ending a 15-year association with the group.

Ms Sheldon — who will be making aliyah in the summer — was the first person hired by Work Avenue chair Mark Morris in 2006 before the charity was formally set up.

She has held every position in the organisation and was appointed CEO four years ago. “It has helped me know exactly what each of my colleagues faces as I have been in their shoes too,” she said.

Moving to Israel, where she has close family, would fulfil a “lifelong dream,” she said. “I lived in Israel as a young child and have always wanted to return there.

“I have loved my life in London and the Jewish community here has always supported me and the work that I do. However, Israel truly feels like home and it is where we want to spend our future.”

Ms Sheldon said she was leaving Work Avenue at a time when things were starting to look more hopeful. “We have almost as many jobs on our jobs board today as we had pre-pandemic. The mood is positive and people are finding work or new streams of revenue for their businesses.

“I would hope my legacy will be a professional organisation with a passionate and talented team who care beyond their job descriptions to service the Jewish community at large, ensuring no one faces the indignity of poverty through a loss of income.”

The charity is considering applications for her successor with the aim of making an appointment by the end of April to allow for a handover period.

Mr Morris said he was looking for “a dependable, visionary and inspirational leader who will build on Debbie’s success.

“The current climate makes this appointment even more timely, with both employment and business support so critical.”