Chairman quits scandal-hit Save the Children

Sir Alan Parker has resigned as Save the Children’s international chairman amid what he described as the “complex mix of challenges” facing the charity sector.

His 10-year term had been due to end in December but the charity, which is facing formal investigation over staff misconduct, said Parker “felt it right at this moment to bring forward his succession”.

The children’s charity has been engulfed in allegations that it failed to investigate sexual abuse and inappropriate behaviour by staff, which came out in the wake of the scandal involving Oxfam workers in Haiti.

It emerged earlier this year that Justin Forsyth, its former chief executive, and Brendan Cox, the former policy director and widower of the MP Jo Cox, left the charity in 2015 following allegations of misconduct.

Staff had been calling for Parker’s resignation since the failings emerged. A 2015 report leaked to the BBC suggested that Parker’s “very close” relationship with Forsyth may have affected how he responded to complaints.

Parker, who has also quit the boards of the Save the Children Association and Save the Children International, acknowledged there was a an “urgent and pressing” need to rebuild trust.

In his resignation letter, he told colleagues: “Given the complex mix of challenges the organisation and the sector is facing, it is my view that a change is needed. I have therefore taken the decision to step down as chair and will do everything I can to support a smooth succession.”

Addressing the allegations, he said: “In Save the Children UK we dealt with some unacceptable workplace behaviour, involving harassment, in our head office in Farringdon in 2012 and 2015. The process around Brendan Cox involved a disciplinary panel, including trustees and an independent QC. The processes around Justin Forsyth were handled by HR and senior trustees, and were reviewed by an independent law firm.”

He said he would work to assist “in any way I can” with a further review of the issues which is being undertaken by the Charity Commission. “There is an urgent and pressing need to rebuild trust and confidence. If we do not, some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children will suffer,” he said.

Pernille Lopez, speaking on behalf of the charity’s board, thanked him for the “immense” contribution he made.

She said: “Under his leadership, we have grown and modernised our organisation, and are now better able to support children living in terrible situations around the world. His vision and commitment will be missed.”

Helle Thorning-Schmidt, the chief executive of Save the Children International, said the organisation was “deeply grateful for the time and dedication” he invested in the cause.

She said: “As a trustee and now as chair, Alan has worked tirelessly to help us grow to an organisation that works in over 120 countries to reach 50 million children every year. Building on this strong foundation, we will continue to fight for a world where every last child can survive, learn and be protected.”