International development agency Christian Aid has appointed six new trustees to join the 14 current members. The new board members were selected by Christian Aid’s 41 sponsoring churches in Britain and Ireland at its annual general meeting (AGM) on 27 November 2007.
The six appointees bring expertise in the fields of HR, international development, politics, finance, business and law:
Carolyn Grey is an HR specialist, a member of the Council of the Institute of Employment Studies and sits on the Executive of the Involvement and Participation Association.
Charlotte Seymour Smith has an expert knowledge of International Development issues, has a PhD in Social Anthropology and authored the Macmillan Dictionary of Anthropology.
Stephen Hale is currently the Director of Green Alliance. He was previously a special government advisor to the Environment Minister, Michael Meacher, and then Secretary of State Margaret Beckett.
Phil Hodkinson is a financial expert, a non-executive Director of BT Group plc, chairman of HBOS Foundation and a Director of Business in the Community.
George McSorley is a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and the CEO of Unity Enterprise. He brings a wealth of business experience to his new role as Trustee. He is also Chair of the Scottish Christian Aid Committee.
Lady Felicity Blair comes from a legal background. She is a trustee of Parentline Plus, a member of the Three Faiths Forum and the development board of Rights & Humanity.
All trustees are appointed for four years and are eligible for one further term. The Board delegates some responsibilities to sub-committees of trustees, including a finance and audit committee
The 18 trustees contribute their time to help set and oversee the strategic direction of Christian Aid. They review and comment on plans and performance, review any major issues bearing on the wellbeing of the organisation, and decide important new directions. It is the trustees’ responsibility to approve Christian Aid’s budget, annual report and accounts.
The Board meets six times a year and consists of a chair; representatives of Christian Aid’s committees for Ireland, Wales and Scotland; the General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland who is always an ex-officio member; and up to 15 other trustees appointed for their experience, knowledge and skills relevant to Christian Aid’s work.
'We are delighted with the new appointments. Their experience and expertise will compliment the skills of our existing trustees and contribute greatly to shaping the strategic direction of Christian Aid' said Christian Aid Director Daleep Mukaji.
Christian Aid wants to thank those who have stepped down - David Pocock, David Deeks, Jane Williams and Helen Hood - for their tireless work and commitment.
The AGM also selected a Search and Appointment Committee responsible for the search and recruitment of the new Chair from 2008. Churches are encouraged to contact Christian Aid if they know of a suitable candidate.
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For further press information contact Julia Fairrie on +44 (0) 20 7523 2418 or email jfairrie@christian-aid.org