Philip Goodwin, the chief executive of international volunteer organisation VSO, has been appointed to the same role at UNICEF UK.

Goodwin, who is a former CEO of poverty and climate crisis charity Treeaid and spent 11 years with the British Council working in Kenya, Uganda, Pakistan and Belgium, joins UNICEF UK in September.

“We are delighted that Philip is joining UNICEF UK as chief executive in the autumn. The appointment follows an extensive selection process conducted by the board, with input from our youth advisory board, members of staff, the executive team and UNICEF,” said UNICEF UK chair Shatish Dasani.

“We were impressed by Philip’s values-based leadership skills with a proven track record of delivering organisational vision and strategy.

“Philip brings a wealth of experience as an established leader within the international development sector, and we look forward to working together to deliver UNICEF UK’s ambitious strategy to deliver impactful change for children in the UK and around the world.”

Goodwin, who is also a trustee at the RNLI, said: “I am honoured to be joining UNICEF UK to help deliver its lifesaving work for children and promote and protect their rights across the UK and around the world.

“Right now, children all over the world are facing a magnitude of challenges including coming under attack in conflict, the impact of humanitarian crises and the climate crisis. The work of UNICEF has never been so vital in supporting children to not just survive but reach their full potential.

“It is an immense privilege to be joining UNICEF UK at this critical time and I look forward to working alongside a talented group of colleagues to help create a better world for every child.”

He replaces Jon Sparkes who is leaving the charity later this month to become CEO at learning disability charity Mencap.

Former Action Aid UK CEO Girish Menon has been appointed interim chief executive until Goodwin joins.

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