Safe Passage International hires CEO
Safe Passage International has recruited Jo Cobley as its chief executive.
The charity that reunites refugee families and campaigns for safe routes has announced that interim CEO Donna Covey will step aside to make way for Cobley.
Cobley, who has 12 years of experience in the refugee sector, said: “I am delighted to join this fantastic organisation that I have long admired.”
The incoming CEO has also served as CEO for seven years at Young Roots and held leadership roles at Migrant Help, Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants, as well as the Refugee Council.
Alan Turing Institute appoints chief
The Alan Turing Institute has appointed George Williamson as its chief executive.
Williamson joins from His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre where he oversaw the creation of technologies for the national security committee.
He will be tasked with improving security, critical infrastructure, sustainability and defence capability at the institute and is expected to take over from acting CEO Mark Girolami in May.
Doug Gurr, charity chair, said: “I’m excited to see George drive forward the Turing’s work to translate research into cutting-edge capability that makes the UK more resilient.”
Cripplegate Foundation and Islington Giving chief to step down
Sarah Roth Benioff, chief executive of the Cripplegate Foundation and Islington Giving, has announced on LinkedIn that she will step down later this year.
Roth Benioff has led both organisations for almost seven years and announced that the board will shortly begin recruitment for her replacement.
She posted: “[It was] not an easy decision as I have loved my time here over nearly seven years – our many partners, the team, board, our donors and the work itself.”
“I remain so committed to the local area […] but the time seems right for me and my other commitments.”
Fair Education Alliance co-chief steps down
The Fair Education Alliance (FEA) has announced that co-chief executive Sam Butters will step down at the end of April this year.
Butters will depart after playing a “critical” role at the charity over nine years and in her absence fellow co-CEO Gina Cicerone will continue to lead.
Vanessa Ogden, trustee chair, said: “As Co-CEO, she has played a major role in building FEA into a respected and influential organisation.”
Butters added: “I couldn’t be prouder of what the FEA has become […] and I feel incredibly confident leaving the FEA in Gina’s hands.”
Chair appointed at WWF-UK
WWF-UK has brought in John Flint to chair its board of trustees who will take up the role on 26 March.
The former CEO of the UK Infrastructure Bank has previously led work supporting the UK’s growth and clean energy drive.
He also spent 30 years at HSBC, including as group chief executive, and worked in global wholesale and retail banking.
Tanya Steele, WWF‑UK chief executive, said: “His leadership experience, strong understanding of the environmental challenges we face and the world in which we operate make him an exceptional choice.”
Christian Aid appoints archbishop as chair
Christian Aid has appointed archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Cecil Makgoba as its chair.
Cecil Makgoba has worked on poverty and injustice in South Africa and around the world, having previously collaborated with Christian Aid on climate and economic justice.
His appointment comes after the departure of Sarah Mullally who became the archbishop of Canterbury.
Patrick Watt, the charity’s CEO, said: “Archbishop Thabo’s leadership will be invaluable as we work with partners across the world to tackle the root causes of poverty.”
Chair joins RSPCA
The RSPCA has hired Ian Jacobs as its chair.
Jacobs brings experience across health, education and the charity sector. He currently chairs at Barts Health NHS Trust and City St George’s University.
He has spent four decades leading major work in women’s cancer research and has senior roles in UK and international health organisations.
Jo Rowland, RSPCA chief, said: “As we enter our third century, we are at a critical time for animal welfare and Ian’s expertise and inspirational leadership will be crucial.”
Age International recruits chair
Age International has recruited Alison Davies as its chair.
She has replaced Ann Keeling who stepped down on 23 February this year after eight years of service.
Davies joins after working in the financial sector having held executive roles at HSBC and Skipton Building Society.
The new chair, who also chairs the building society’s charitable foundation, said: “I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible work Ann has done during her tenure.”
Chair departs United Response after almost a decade
United Response will be saying goodbye to chair Malcolm McCaig after eight years of service in October this year.
Board chair McCaig will be departing the mental health, learning disability and autism charity after playing a “pivotal role” in shepherding it through tough times.
Kate Terroni, United Response CEO, said: “We are deeply grateful to Malcolm for the leadership and dedication he has brought.
“While we will miss his guidance, he leaves us in a strong, confident position.”
The recruitment of a replacement will be led by vice chair Guy Van Dichele and updates will be shared “in the coming months”, the charity said.
Health Foundation brings in chief investment officer
The Health Foundation has appointed Alex Schoenfeldt as its chief investment officer.
Former asset manager Schoenfeldt has led external investment for the British Airways Pension Fund and worked with charitable foundation Atlantic Philanthropies, where he was also a trustee.
Jennifer Dixon, Health Foundation chief, said: ‘We are thrilled that Alex has joined the foundation.”
Schoenfeldt added: “I look forward to working with colleagues and utilising my experience to lead the foundation’s investment policy to support its long-term mission of building a healthier UK.”
Director leaves Acorns Children’s Hospice after decade of service
Mark Hopton has stepped down from the board of directors at the Three Local Charities Lottery and from the Acorns Children’s Hospice after ten years.
Hopton became lottery chair in 2025 and has been credited with strengthening governance and long-term strategy.
Julie Ward, director since 2016 and Birmingham Hospice trustee, has been appointed new chair.
Ward said: “Mark is certainly going to be a hard act to follow, but I look forward to taking on this leadership role and new challenge.”
Director joins Ripple Effect
Ripple Effect has appointed Joseph Ngwachi Wang’endo as its global director of income generation and engagement.
The charity, which supports rural African families, has announced that Wang’endo will be effective from today and based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Wang’endo replaces interim director Luke Mallett who has been in the role since 2023.
He has previously worked at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and brings more than 20 years of leadership experience.
Paul Stuart, CEO of Ripple Effect, said: "I’m looking forward to working with Joseph as we work to grow our impact.”
Vice chair joins Muscular Dystrophy UK
Muscular Dystrophy UK has hired four trustees including a vice chair after the launch of its 10-year strategy.
Marian Ridley has joined as vice chair having held leadership roles at Evelina London Children’s Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust.
Ros Quinlivan has been brought in as a trustee having worked in the NHS for 40 years in neuromuscular medicine.
Simon Ray and Tom Sara complete the trustee appointments to bring personal and professional experience of dealing with muscular dystrophy.
Mike Hanna, charity chair, said: “Each of these colleagues bring valuable perspectives and expertise to the team. We look forward to working together.”
Trustee appointments made at Humanimal Trust
Humanimal Trust has appointed John Grounds and Philippe Wilson as trustees.
The charity founded by Noel Fitzpatrick, who appeared on TV programme the Supervet, will bring in Grounds who has worked for 12 years as a consultant, including at Humananimal Trust.
Before moving into consultancy, Grounds spent 30 years in senior roles at the NSPCC, RSPCA and Barnardo’s, among other charities.
Healthcare scientist Wilson has had his work funded by organisations including Cancer Research UK, Innovate UK and the Royal Society.
Joe Bailey, trust chief, said: “We are delighted to welcome John and Philippe to our board of Trustees.”
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity appoints patron
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has brought in David Nicholson as its patron.
Nicholson has served as chief executive of NHS England, among other roles, and has decades of leadership experience.
His appointment comes as the charity seeks to enhance its clinical capabilities and invest in critical care provision, ahead of its 35th anniversary.
Nicholson said: “I am honoured to become a patron and look forward to supporting the charity’s continued growth and innovation.”
