Migrant Help is one of the UK’s leading charities supporting refugees, asylum seekers and survivors of modern slavery. For over 60 years, the organisation has provided vital support, advice and advocacy to people rebuilding their lives after displacement.
With services delivered across the UK and an income exceeding £45 million, Migrant Help plays a central role in ensuring that those affected by exploitation and persecution are protected, respected and empowered to thrive.
Following a period of significant growth and change, Peridot Partners was once again appointed to recruit a new Chair to lead the charity into its next strategic phase. During the process, the strength of the candidate field also enabled the appointment of an additional Trustee, further strengthening the Board’s depth and diversity.
Context.
The recruitment came as Migrant Help had recently launched its new strategy, co-produced with clients through its pioneering Lived Experience Advisory Panels (LEAPs). The new strategy set out a bold vision for a client-led organisation that amplifies lived experience, deepens partnership working and drives systems change across the refugee and asylum landscape.
Having achieved substantial growth in both scale and impact, the organisation was ready to consolidate and build sustainable leadership for the future. The new Chair would succeed Madhavi Vadera, whose tenure had seen the organisation expand its national footprint, diversify income and strengthen its voice in public policy.
The brief called for a leader with exceptional governance experience, empathy, moral authority and someone who could unite a complex organisation through values-led leadership while ensuring that lived experience and compassion remained at the heart of decision-making.
Brief and search.
Led by James Hunt, Head of Not for Profit Appointments, Peridot worked closely with the CEO and the Board to design an inclusive and values-driven process. We sought a Chair with national influence, deep experience in governance or public service and a strong connection to the experiences of displaced people. We also looked for trustees with strategic finance, risk and humanitarian expertise to strengthen the Board’s balance of skills.
The search engaged senior leaders from across government, civil society, humanitarian aid and public policy, including individuals with lived experience of displacement. Every stage of the process was designed to reflect Migrant Help’s values of compassion, dignity and inclusion.
Outcome.
Peridot supported Migrant Help in appointing Sir Hugh Bayley as Chair and Najwa Al Abdallah as Trustee.
Sir Hugh Bayley brings over five decades of public service and leadership experience, including as a former MP, Minister and President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to international development, democracy and human rights. Hugh’s inclusive and collaborative style, coupled with his extensive governance experience, made him an ideal choice to lead Migrant Help into its next chapter.
Najwa Al Abdallah, appointed as Trustee, is a senior humanitarian leader with 26 years of experience across global NGOs, including the International Rescue Committee, Plan International and Mercy Corps. She is currently CEO of Amna Refugee Healing Network and brings deep expertise in finance, governance and equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as her own lived experience of displacement during the Lebanese civil war.
“Peridot are professional. An excellent service – no improvement needed. I don’t have wide experience of working with search consultants, but I felt that Peridot was focused on the client’s, Migrant Help’s, needs, but also took account of my particular circumstances.”
Sir Hugh Bayley, appointed Chair.
“I had a fantastic experience working with James Hunt at Peridot for my NED role. From the outset, James was very professional, kind and genuinely invested in understanding my skills and aspirations. His guidance throughout the process was invaluable, and he kept me well-informed at every stage. Thanks to his support, I felt confident and well-prepared.”
Najwa Al Abdallah, appointed Trustee.
“Migrant Help is an extraordinary organisation with compassion and integrity at its core. It was a privilege to partner with Caroline and the Board to find a new Chair and Trustee who brings such depth of leadership, lived experience and humanity. These appointments strengthen the charity’s governance for the future and embody everything Migrant Help stands for.”
James Hunt, Head of Not for Profit Appointments Peridot Partners
“Peridot Partners have been understanding, adaptable and supportive in our search for a Chair. James Hunt listened carefully to our needs and engaged closely with us throughout the process. Candidates were well-prepared and of a high calibre, with a good range of professional backgrounds. For such a key appointment, getting it right was essential, and Peridot helped make sure that happened.”
Caroline O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer Migrant Help.
James Hunt is our Head of Not for Profit Appointments, a senior executive search recruitment specialist supporting the not for profit sector since 2005. With a love for finding passionate and talented people, matchmaking leaders, experts and teams in executive appointments. You can connect with James on LinkedIn, or email him at james@peridotpartners.co.uk to start an informal chat about your career or recruitment needs.
