The British Red Cross has appointed its first chief information officer to develop and implement a technology and digital strategy, as the charity embarks on a change programme.

Rosie Slater will join in April. She is currently IT director at the Children’s Society and has previously worked at Cancer Research UK and NSPCC.

Previously the highest-ranking IT role at the charity was the head of management information systems.

Slater said: “I strongly believe that technology and mobile technologies enable us to find innovative ways to support people in crisis, despite limited resources. I want to see us make the most of new and existing technologies to support people in new and more effective ways.”

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: “Harnessing effective information and digital technology is critical, and will help us engage with the people we help in more flexible ways, as well as improve our overall cost-effectiveness.”

In February's issue of Charity Finance Laura Dawson hightlights the rise of the chief information officers, as part of a series of articles on technology. Find out more about subscribing.