UNICEF UK STATEMENT ON 24th SEPTEMBER 2020
The Board of Trustees of Unicef UK regrets to announce that Douglas Alexander has decided to resign as Chair with immediate effect. The search for a new Chair will start immediately.
Shatish Dasani will take on the role of Interim Chair. Shatish joined the Board in September 2020 as Treasurer, and has many years of experience on the Boards of public companies, both in an executive and non-executive capacity.
Caroline Underwood has also resigned as Vice Chair of the Board. The Board would like to acknowledge the many years of dedicated service given to the Charity by both Caroline and Douglas.
The Board are also announcing that Sophie Gallois, currently deputy executive director for Communication, Advocacy and Programmes, and Steven Waugh, currently Chief Financial Officer, have been appointed Interim Joint Executive Directors with immediate effect in addition to their current responsibilities.
Regarding yesterday’s media coverage about Sacha Deshmukh’s resignation, a full review has been launched by the Board, which will be led by an external adviser from the law firm Bates Wells. The review is intended to be swift and thorough.
Shatish Dasani said: “Unicef UK’s purpose is to make the world a better place for children. The Board is looking to ensure that the organisation changes and the implementation of actions arising from the review makes us stronger in fulfilling this purpose”