Islamic Relief Worldwide CEO to step down
Islamic Relief Worldwide's chief executive, Waseem Ahmad, is to step down in September.
As the first chief executive to serve under Islamic Relief’s new governance model, Ahmad has helped to raise the organisation’s international profile.
He said: “It has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve Islamic Relief Worldwide alongside our incredible staff, volunteers and donors who make our humanitarian mission possible.
“Together, we have served our rights holders at times of crises and for the long run, building lasting foundations for the world’s most vulnerable communities.”
The charity has started the search process for a new chief executive.
Imperial Health Charity appoints CEO
Imperial Health Charity has appointed Gail Scott-Spicer as its chief executive.
She will take over the role from Ian Lush, who is retiring in July following almost 11 years at the charity.
Scott-Spicer is currently the chief executive of King’s College Hospital Charity, where she has been since 2018.
She said: “I am immensely excited to be stepping into the role of chief executive of Imperial Health Charity and leading the staff and volunteers as they continue to deliver excellence across all areas of our work.”
Plan International UK names chair
Plan International UK has appointed Baroness Liz Sugg as its chair of trustees.
She will take over the position from Ian Diamond, who is stepping down after seven years.
Sugg is a member of the House of Lords, where she specialises in foreign affairs, international development, and the health and rights of women and girls.
She said: “I'm delighted to be taking on the role of chair.
“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors, Plan International UK does critical work to promote children’s rights and keep girls safe, in school and protected in emergencies.”
Tinnitus UK appoints chair and trustees
Health charity Tinnitus UK has appointed Pierre Espinasse as its chair.
Espinasse, the former chief executive of a medical research funding foundation, will be joined by two new trustees: Pete Byrom and Emma Stone.
Tinnitus UK chief executive Alex Brooks-Johnson said: “Being joined by people with the caliber and experience of Pierre, Emma and Pete will significantly improve our ability to help more people with tinnitus and represents our ambitions for the future as we work towards a world without tinnitus.”
RCS welcomes new chair and trustees
The Council of the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) has appointed Janet Cooper as its chair to succeed Linda Yueh.
RCS also appointed Sianne Haldane and Ravi Suchak as new trustees.
Cooper said: “It’s a great pleasure and privilege to have been appointed to chair the Royal Commonwealth Society, to build on the terrific work the RCS has been doing for over 150 years as well as look to the future, in a world which is becoming increasingly polarised and in conflict, the work of the RCS provides an opportunity to focus on youth engagement, climate action and equality initiatives across the Commonwealth.”
Royal Parks chair’s term extended
The culture secretary has extended Loyd Grossman’s third term for a further nine months as the chair of the Royal Parks.
Grossman is a broadcaster, entrepreneur and writer who has a long association with the arts and heritage sectors.
He is the chair of the Royal Society of Arts and a vice president of the Churches Conservation Trust.
Grossman's third term as the chair of the Royal Parks will end on 28 February 2026.
RNIB appoints vice chair
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has appointed Jim Harra to take up the roles of vice chair of the board of trustees and chair of its governance, nominations and remuneration committee.
Harra was previously a permanent secretary in the civil service, retiring in April 2025 after almost 41 years at HM Revenue & Customs, including over five years as its chief executive.
“I've been a long-time follower of RNIB's work and am thrilled to be joining the charity as its new vice chair,” Harra said.
“RNIB's commitment to creating a more accessible world really resonated with me and I'm excited to have the opportunity of working alongside this fantastic organisation as we continue to break down societal barriers which currently prevent people with sight loss from living their best lives.”
IntoUniversity hires chief development officer
National education charity IntoUniversity has appointed Penny Tysoe to a new role as its chief development officer.
Tysoe was recently fundraising and communications director at the Engineering Development Trust and Industrial Cadets.
She said: “IntoUniversity is an inspiring charity that makes a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young people, helping them to realise their potential and access opportunities they deserve.
“I’m excited to be joining such a strong and values-driven team, and I look forward to working collaboratively to help drive forward our strategic goals and expand our impact.”
Prisoners’ Education Trust appoints three trustees
Prisoners’ Education Trust (PET) has appointed three trustees.
Sally Burnell is the director of communications for the Bar Council. She previously worked for the social justice charity Nacro.
Jo Easton has worked in policy, communications and research roles for various charities in the justice and human rights sectors, including INQUEST and the Human Rights Clinic at Essex University.
Oluseun Sowole is a dedicated community advocate with a sound understanding of the criminal justice system and extensive experience supporting vulnerable individuals.
Sowole has held various roles at St Giles Trust, a national charity supporting vulnerable people.
Variety recruits two trustees
Children's charity Variety has recruited Marc Goldberg and Debra Cooper as its newest board members.
Goldberg brings more than 30 years of experience in commercial finance and has supported the charity financially for many years.
Cooper has more than 16 years of experience in property law and joins the board as the charity prepares for its flagship fundraising event.
Lyn Staunton, development director at Variety, said: “With Marc and Debra on board and the continued dedication of our incredible board members, we are confident that the 2025 event will be our most impactful yet.”
Oxmarket Contemporary Gallery appoints trustee
Oxmarket Contemporary Gallery has welcomed Kate FitzGerald as one of its directors and trustees.
FitzGerald is a legal and business development consultant, and recently stood down from her position as a non-executive director at Southern Health NHS Foundation at the expiry of her term, a position that she held for six years.
She said: “I am delighted to join the Oxmarket Contemporary’s team of trustees and directors.
“It is a vibrant space in the heart of the community that will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year and I look forward to working with the team to ensure that the Oxmarket Contemporary continues to benefit both artists and the local community for many years to come.”
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