Specific Expertise Sought
We are looking to appoint up to four Trustees during this round of recruitment. While we are seeking individual expertise in the following areas, we also recognise that candidates may have more than one of the skillsets listed.
Safeguarding
We are looking for an individual who has substantial professional expertise in safeguarding to replace our existing safeguarding lead, who will step down later this year. This trustee would work with the UK team as well as War Child’s international safeguarding function, to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are protected and:
- The board maintains robust oversight of safeguarding
- That the correct systems are in place and are being followed
- That safeguarding concerns and incidents are dealt with in a safe, structured and effective way and in line with UK legal and regulatory
- That safeguarding considerations are appropriately integrated into the organisation’s programmes, communications, fundraising activities and
The post would suit someone working in a senior safeguarding role in either a domestic or international organization, or someone for whom safeguarding forms a significant part of their role. Candidates should also bring a strong understanding of the UK safeguarding regulatory environment as it applies to charities and organisations working with children.
Experience of applying safeguarding principles in public facing environments, such as high-profile fundraising events and partnerships with corporate donors or external organisations would be especially valuable.
AI and Digital Transformation
We are seeking a trustee with senior-level expertise in AI and digital transformation to help War Child navigate one of the most significant shifts facing the humanitarian sector. AI is already reshaping how organisations like ours deliver programmes, communicate with supporters, and manage operations — and the opportunities and risks it presents require board-level engagement.
The right candidate will bring practical experience of implementing AI within complex organisations, and the strategic judgement to help us make decisions about adoption, governance, and risk.
This role would suit someone in a senior role in an AI company (whether in development or partnerships), someone who works in organizational development for whom AI is a significant part of their practice or someone working in media/marketing for whom AI is core to what they do.
International Development Funding, Practice & Policy
We are seeking a trustee with deep, senior-level experience in international development and/or humanitarian assistance who can bring strategic insight on funding, policy and practice to support War Child UK’s mission and growth.
This trustee will help the Board to understand and navigate a complex and rapidly changing aid environment, providing informed challenge and advice to the CEO.
This could include expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- International development and/or humanitarian programming, at organisational or portfolio
- Institutional and philanthropic funding landscapes, including bilateral and multilateral donors, foundations, and innovative financing
- The international development and humanitarian aid architecture, including governments, multilaterals, UN agencies and civil society
- Public policy, advocacy and influencing in relation to international development and humanitarian assistance, including engagement with bilateral and multilateral governments on aid policy and
- Donor compliance and accountability requirements, including ODA eligibility, programme quality, assurance and risk.
- The use of evidence, learning and evaluation to improve programme effectiveness and to inform policy and
- An understanding of the political economy and wider contextual factors shaping aid funding and policy decisions, particularly in conflict-affected and humanitarian settings.
This role would suit someone currently or formerly working at a senior level in government, a multilateral organisation, an international NGO, a development finance institution, or a policy or research organisation, for whom international development and/or humanitarian policy and practice has been a central focus of their career. We would particularly welcome candidates who can bring strong judgment, credibility and networks, and who are able to translate complex policy and funding dynamics into clear strategic advice for a Board context.
Advocacy and Campaigning
We are seeking a trustee with significant experience in advocacy, political campaigning and policy engagement to strengthen War Child’s influence at a moment when both the policy landscape and the tools available to campaigners are changing rapidly. War Child operates across two distinct but complementary modes: sustained behind-the-scenes engagement with politicians, governments, and international bodies and a robust public campaigning function that mobilises supporters and shapes public discourse. The right candidate will be effective across both.
Candidates might include political consultants, heads of advocacy at civil society organisations or campaigners who have led high-profile public movements. We would also welcome applications from former government officials, senior political advisers or officials with experience in international institutions such as the UN, EU, or multilateral bodies – particularly those with exposure to fragile or conflict-affected contexts.
Across all of these backgrounds, we are looking for someone who understands that the environment for advocacy is itself shifting: the retreat of multilateralism in some quarters, the emergence of new pressure points and institutional forms, and the fracturing of traditional media. Established relationships matter; so does the adaptability to remain effective as the landscape continues to change.
Our Commitment to Inclusion & Merit-Based Recruitment
We believe that a diverse and inclusive Board helps make us a stronger, more effective organisation. Diverse perspectives are essential to our ability to innovate, make sound decisions and ultimately have the greatest impact for children affected by conflict.
We particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented on our Board, including men and non-binary people, people with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQIA+. We also remain committed to maintaining and strengthening the ethnic diversity of our Board, and actively encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities.
All appointments are made on merit. A fair and transparent process, overseen by our Board Development Committee, will assess candidates based on the skills, experience and qualities that best match the requirements of the role and the strategic needs of the organisation. In line with the UK Equality Act 2010, we may use positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups demonstrate an equal ability to perform the role.
We understand that individuals may have different needs throughout the recruitment process and within the role, if appointed. We are committed to making every reasonable adjustment to accommodate these needs so that everyone has an equitable opportunity to demonstrate their suitability. Please let us know, by emailing nicole.gibson@green-park.co.uk if you would like to discuss any adjustments or support.