Since joining NCW in 2017, Peggy has been instrumental in transitioning the organisation from its fledgling stages at Dragon Hall into a world-class literary hub. Initially serving as Head of Programmes and Executive Director before becoming CEO in 2023, her time has been defined by a commitment to inclusivity, international collaboration, the preservation of Norwich’s literary heritage and vision for its future.

Peggy said:

‘I feel so lucky to have spent the last eight years at the National Centre for Writing, within a city as fine as Norwich. Leading this wonderful team through a period of such immense adventure and change has been a true gift.

‘NCW is a very special place of huge ambition and opportunity for the artform, for writers and translators, and for the audiences and communities it serves. While I am moving on to a new chapter, I know the next phase for NCW will be just as exciting, and I will remain its biggest fan and advocate from afar.’

Peggy’s impact on the Norwich landscape is marked by a series of landmark achievements that have bridged local engagement with international prestige. She programmed the inaugural year-round programme at National Centre for Writing when it opened its doors in 2018 and spearheaded the delivery of the £465,000 ‘East Out’ programme, a three-year initiative funded by Arts Council England that established a global circuit of residencies, exchanges, and commissions.

Rising through the leadership team to Executive Director and then CEO, she oversaw a significant capital project at Dragon Hall — supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund — which introduced new writers’ rooms, a community kitchen, and a state-of-the-art podcast studio to the historic site. Beyond physical infrastructure, Peggy championed the venue’s successful bid for ‘Place of Sanctuary’ status, cementing its reputation as a welcoming space for refugee and asylum-seeking communities.

On the international stage, she reinvigorated Norwich’s standing within the global UNESCO Cities of Literature network, culminating in the autumn 2025 launch of ‘Writing the Future’, a ten-year strategy designed to place literacy and creativity at the heart of the city’s long-term development.

Alan Waters, Chair of the Board, said:

‘Peggy’s contribution during her eight years at NCW has been nothing short of transformative. In the last two years, as CEO, she has advanced NCW’s global reach and that of Norwich as a UNESCO City of Literature; enhanced its role as the ‘National’ Centre for Writing and engaged, enriched and involved local communities across Norwich in the creative possibilities that comes through literature, writing and telling stories.

‘We wish Peggy all the very best in her new role at the National Library of Scotland, and look forward to welcoming Peggy’s successor later in the year to carry on telling NCW’s story.’

Mike Stonard, Leader of Norwich City Council, said:

‘Peggy has done a brilliant job leading the National Centre of Writing. Under her leadership the team have championed the development of writers, literary translators, readers and new writing from near and far.  The launch last year of ‘Writing the Future: Norwich UNESCO City of Literature Strategy 2025–30’, is an exciting moment for the city and places reading and writing at the heart of the city’s social, economic, and cultural development.

‘On behalf of the council, I would like to wish Peggy all the very best for the future with the National Library of Scotland.’

Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director at Arts Council England said:

‘My heartfelt congratulations to Peggy Hughes for her amazing work as Chief Executive of the National Centre for Writing. Through the multiple roles she has held during her time at NCW she has had a tremendous impact on the advancement of literature in Norwich and the UK. I wish her luck in her new role as Director of Engagement at the National Library of Scotland, and all the best for the future.’

David Ryding, Director of the Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Office, said:

‘“You’ve got to be all in on these things!” The times I have replayed this line from Peggy reminding me to be curious, to be brave, to be committed and to be generous are countless. Working with Peggy in the UNESCO Cities of Literature network has made me better on so many levels, and just as her leadership has made the National Centre of Writing better, she has made our network so much better. There are few Peggy Hughes in the world!’

Recruitment for the role of Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer at National Centre for Writing is now live. 

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