British Red Cross announces CEO
British Red Cross has appointed Béatrice Butsana-Sita as its chief executive. She succeeds Mike Adamson, who announced he would be stepping down after eight years in February.
Butsana-Sita will join the charity in November from Greenhouse Sports, a London-based sport charity, where she has been CEO for three years. Before that she was managing director at Capita and BT. She is currently a non-executive director at the law firm RPC.
On her appointment, she said: “To join an organisation renowned worldwide for helping people in need is an enormous honour. For over 150 years the British Red Cross has been there for people in the UK and overseas when a crisis strikes. That work is more important now, than ever before. It will be a privilege to play my part so we can continue to help those who need us in the best way possible, now and in the future.”
Charity CEO moves to King’s Fund
Sarah Woolnough, who has been CEO of Asthma + Lung UK for the last three years, will be leaving the organisation at the end of the year to lead the King’s Fund, in early 2024.
During her tenure, the charity underwent its merger and transitioned from Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation to Asthma + Lung UK.
Tamara Ingram, chair of the board, said: “Sarah Woolnough is an exceptional leader and colleague, a passionate advocate for people with lung conditions and has created a truly positive and rewarding place to work, empowering people to be their best. She has played a pivotal role in shifting attitudes towards lung conditions, and given a voice to those affected, when they have often been neglected in the past.
“The charity wishes Sarah the very best in her new role and looks forward to continuing on the legacy of her impactful work with the same compassion, energy and ambition.”
At the King’s Fund Woolnough will succeed Richard Murray, who will step down in November.
CEO of Teesside Hospice steps down
The chief executive of Teesside Hospice, David Smith, is stepping down after almost five years in post.
Smith is also a trustee of ACEVO and an elected trustee of Hospice UK. He was also CEO of St Teresa’s Hospice from April 2022 to March this year. He was previously CEO of Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.
In a blog announcing his departure, Smith said: “Modesty aside, I was right for [when I joined in] 2018 but this next phase may require a different skillset or experience.
“The next five years or so has the potential to see a significant and positive shift in how hospice care is funded and integrated into the wider NHS. How hospices collaborate, share or even merge will become increasingly important, especially in an area like ours with several operating on a relatively small geographic footprint. It will be an exciting time for a new leader to take over to build on a firm base”.
The recruitment process for his replacement will begin next month.
The Women’s Organisation appoints chair
Equal rights charity, the Women’s Organisation, has appointed Sue Oshikanlu as its new chair. She succeeds Gill Moglione.
It comes after Oshikanlu was director of the organisation for 18 years. She is also assistant manager at a Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service, a role she has occupied for over 17 years.
Oshikanlu said she will be “calling out” inequalities and discrimination wherever she finds it in the sector.
“I am deeply worried about the direction of travel in terms of the equalities agenda and investment in measures that help women and women from diverse communities and the Women’s Organisation will redouble its efforts to shine a light on inequitable investment policy and practice,” she said.
“As a black woman I am really proud to lead this highly successful organisation – where the commitment to equality is demonstrated through the diversity at all parts of the organisation – board, staff and service users.”
New chair for ReachOut
The education charity ReachOut has appointed Professor Simon Hepburn as its chair.
Hepburn is the CEO of UK Cyber Security Council and a visiting professor at Aston University. Previously, he has worked with charities like ACEVO, Scope, the Children’s Society and more.
Alice Memminger, CEO of ReachOut, said: “We’re thrilled to have Simon join ReachOut as our new Chair of Trustees. Simon brings with him extensive experience across the charity sector and is a true advocate for young people. The skills and expertise he can offer will be highly valuable to ReachOut as we celebrate our 20th anniversary as a charity, and embark on developing a new strategy that will expand our reach and impact.”
Director of policy at CIOF steps down
Daniel Fluskey, who has been director of policy and communications at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising for 10 years, will be stepping down this September.
He will be joining the National Aids Trust as its director of policy, influencing and research.
On his departure, Fluskey said: “It’s been quite a ride. Thank you to everyone who I’ve met & worked with along the way. You’ve been ace.”
CIOF is now recruiting for a head of membership engagement in his stead.
New chief financial officer for British Red Cross
British Red Cross has appointed Clive MacTavish as its chief financial officer.
Joining the charity in January this year in an interim capacity, he has now been appointed to the position permanently.
MacTavish is a chartered accountant who has over 20 years’ experience working in senior roles at the Financial Times, Dow Jones, Expedia/Hotels.com and more.
Mike Adamson, chief executive of the charity, said: “I’m delighted Clive is joining us permanently after already making a huge impression on everyone. He brings more than 20 years’ financial experience to the British Red Cross, having worked at several high-profile organisations over the years. He is a dynamic leader that will help put us in the best possible position to meet the challenges of tomorrow so we can continue to be there for those that need us.”
ACEVO creates role
Gareth Oughton has been appointed to the newly-created role of member services manager at ACEVO.
Oughton joins from University of Leicester Students' Union where he was CEO for over five years. Before that, he held several senior posts at the University of Exeter Students Guild. He was with the company for 12 years.
Jane Ide, CEO at ACEVO said: “Although we believe our member services are best in class, we are not complacent. We are ambitious to increase the impact we have by developing existing services and delivering new ones that respond to the needs of our members operating in an ever-changing world. I am delighted to welcome Gareth to the team and look forward to introducing him to our members.”
Plan International UK appoints trustees
Plan International UK has appointed three new trustees to its board.
- Sarah Ansah is deputy managing editor at BBC News Content.
- Minal Shah is marketing advisor and interim chief marketing officer to technology companies.
- Marie-France Van Heel is chief marketing officer of Be.EV, a public electric charging provider.
Rose Caldwell, chief executive of Plan International UK, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Sarah, Minal and Marie-France to our board of trustees. With their diverse talents and wealth of experience, I have no doubt they will bring exciting and unique perspectives to our work, helping to drive real change for children and girls around the world.”
