For a century, Save the Children UK has stood up for children and made sure their voices are heard. We wrote the treaty that sets out the rights of every child, and we have been upholding them every day since. We are part of a wider Save the Children movement, which implements over $1bn in programmes around the world and works to inform and influence policies affecting children.

We lead the way on tackling problems such as pneumonia, hunger and protecting children in war, while making sure each child’s unique needs are cared for. Our focus is on the world’s most deprived and disadvantaged children who are denied an opportunity to flourish because of inequalities linked to wealth, gender, ethnicity, race and other factors that diminish opportunities.

Over the last five years we have delivered some high-impact results for children, but there are major challenges ahead. That starts with the crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are on the brink of potentially devastating reversals in many of the gains we and others have fought for over decades. Child poverty is rising, malnutrition is worsening, and progress in cutting child mortality is slipping. There is no precedent for the setbacks now in prospect in education. The gap between humanitarian needs and financing has never been greater and there continues to be a culture of impunity surrounding those who fail to protect children in war.

We are seeking a passionate and driven Chief Executive to help us rise to these challenges. They will combine a strategic vision for SCUK’s development with an ability to translate vision into practical organisational development, working in a complex environment with the wider Save movement. They will be an accomplished relationship-builder who will deepen our relationships with key stakeholders and supporters and help us diversify our funding.

Over the past five years Save the Children UK’s leadership and staff have worked to build an organisational culture that reflects its values. That culture is grounded in a high level of ambition for children, coupled with kindness, respect, and support for one another. We are committed to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation – and the incoming CEO will be expected to prioritise implementation of our strategy in this area. 

If you are committed to child rights and passionate about tackling the injustices that harm so many children, this is your chance to make a difference. For more information or an informal conversation please download the Candidate Brief and contact Sarah Wright or Elizabeth Theobald on 0207 367 0681, or at Sarah.Wright2@odgersberndtson.com or Elizabeth.Theobald@odgersberndtson.com