RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood will leave the animal welfare charity at the end of the year and join the NSPCC, he announced today.
After six years in his current role, Sherwood will become the children’s charity’s next CEO in January 2025, replacing Peter Wanless after he departs in December.
RSPCA said it would begin to recruit Sherwood’s successor in the autumn, supported by chair Claire Horton and her board of trustees.
Sherwood’s upcoming position at NSPCC will be his third charity CEO position, as he previously led relationships charity Relate.
He is also a board member of NCVO and chair of Civil Society Media’s Charity Awards judging panel.
‘Hugely sorry to be losing Chris’
Sherwood joined RSPCA as its eighth chief executive in 11 years and at a time when the organisation was being monitored by the Charity Commission over concerns about its governance and leadership.
In his first year, Sherwood pledged to tackle a “culture of bullying” at the charity after a survey by Unite found that 29% of staff had been bullied and 46% believed bullying was a serious issue in the organisation.
He oversaw RSPCA’s sale of its previous headquarters in Southwater, West Sussex, and a shift to a more flexible working policy, as well as a rebrand to coincide with its 200th anniversary this year.
RSPCA chair Claire Horton said Sherwood would be leaving RSPCA “in a financially and operationally strong position”.
“Whilst we are hugely sorry to be losing Chris from RSPCA we are thrilled for him and his new role at NSPCC,” she said.
“Chris has led the RSPCA through an exceptional six years which have seen his inspiring vision and leadership transform the oldest animal welfare charity into a modern, forward-facing organisation changing the world for the better for every kind of animal.
“Chris has spearheaded a seismic transformation, modernising leadership, culture and governance.
“His ambitious new strategic direction of partnership working, alongside an exciting refreshed brand, is galvanising the public, charities and organisations, thought leaders and those critical in shaping legislation to tackle the huge challenges facing animals we share our world with – today and in the future.”
Sherwood said he had been “so honoured” to lead the RSPCA, which he said he was leaving “with a committed and effective leadership team together with passionate staff, volunteers, branches and supporters”.
“We have lived through unprecedented times which have seen a global pandemic, cost-of-living crisis and international conflict, all which have impacted people and the animals they rely on,” he said.
“Together we have created a stronger, modern and sustainable, purpose-driven RSPCA, while protecting animals from cruelty, successfully campaigning to change laws to end live exports, have CCTV in all slaughterhouses, bring in tougher sentences for animal abuse and building a million-strong movement inspired to create a better world for every animal.”
Shared values
NSPCC chair Neil Berkett welcomed Sherwood to the charity, and praised his “impressive track record in leading some of the UK’s best-known charities”.
“I am confident that Chris will continue to drive forward our clear mission to make sure everyone plays their part in keeping children safe, that every child is safe online and that every child feels heard,” he said.
“I know he will also keep alive our shared values, continue to foster our unique, collaborative culture and redouble our efforts to take a stand for all children.
“I’d also like to thank Sir Peter Wanless, who has worked tirelessly over the past 11 years to champion the voices and experiences of children and young people, who need us now more than ever. I wish him the very best of success and happiness in his future endeavours.”
NSPCC was founded 60 years after the RSPCA with some support from its members and using the animal charity’s head office for meetings.
Today, the charities still work closely with RSPCA officers reporting potential child protection issues they encounter during their frontline work investigating animal cruelty.
Sherwood said: “I am thrilled to be joining the NSPCC. I firmly believe in a society where all children are not just protected from harm, but they have the support, kindness and respect needed to live happy, joyful and fulfilling lives and be the best version of themselves.
“It’s fitting at the close of the RSPCA’s 200th year to be joining the NSPCC – a charity which shares heritage with the RSPCA as well as the same desire to create a kinder and more compassionate society.”
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