The Trussell charity is transferring its charity retail operations, including all nine charity shops in Dorset and Wiltshire, to Shaw Trust.

Trussell aims to focus its efforts and investment on combating hunger and supporting food banks and believes that this focus will better align with its mission of ending the need for emergency food.

Trussell has confirmed that this transfer will not lead to any job losses, nor will it impact the current day-to-day operations of the charity shops aside from a temporary closure for rebranding.

Emma Revie, CEO of Trussell, said: "Our charity shops have provided immense value to our organisation.

"For nearly 20 years, Trussell retail has helped generate vital funds and it’s been an honour working alongside so many inspiring and passionate people who are dedicated to supporting their local community and giving back."

Shaw Trust, a national charity with roots in Wiltshire, will take over operations.

The trust, which has 23 charity shops nationwide, shares Trussell's vision and supports people facing hardship by helping them find secure and meaningful work.

Ms Revie added: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donates and supports us, and while our financial position remains strong, our vision of a UK without the need for food banks is ambitious and requires our full attention.

"By transferring the charity shops to an organisation that is set up and dedicated to investing in charity retail, we truly believe Trussell retail operations will be stronger and more sustainable for the future and we are excited to work together towards our mission."

The shops will temporarily close from October 30 and reopen on November 15 to allow Shaw Trust to implement their systems, induct team members, and change in-store branding.

Renata Graver, director of charity retail shops at Shaw Trust, said: "We’re thrilled that Trussell has chosen to transfer their charity shops to us.

"They’re an important part of the community and as part of our national retail network we’ll invest in their future."

Ms Revie further explained the decision to transfer the retail operations: "We must steward our donations carefully into activities that most closely align with our mission of ending hunger and we are unable to divert further donations into Trussell Retail to strengthen its operations and ensure it thrives.

"Like everything we do at Trussell, we’ve had our people at the front of our mind throughout this process."

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