Aid charity chief takes senior Comic Relief role

Humanity and Inclusion UK’s executive director Aleema Shivji is moving to Comic Relief to become its executive director of impact and investment.

Shivji will join Comic Relief in January 2021 to lead on the charity’s social change strategy and global philanthropic funding.

She has more than two decades experience in international development, speciailising in the inclusion of people with disabilities in humanitarian emergencies.

She took over as Human and Inclusion UK's executive director in 2012, having previously been country director for the charity's work in Haiti.

“Comic Relief's vision of a just world free from poverty strongly aligns with my values,” Shivji said.

“As communities cope with the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, I am excited to help shape the future of their funding and ensure there is even greater impact with the vital, outstanding projects they support.”

Comic Relief chief executive Ruth Davison added: “After a period of change in the summer it is fantastic to warmly welcome Aleema. Her strong vision for equality and social change will help us grow from strength to strength as we deliver key strategies and campaigns over the next months.”

BBC Three Controller joins as trustee

Meanwhile, Comic Relief has also announced that BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell is to join as a trustee. Campbell is involved in the broadcaster’s Red Nose Day activity for the charity.

“I’m hugely excited to join Comic Relief and help this remarkable charity reach even greater success,” said Campbell.

“I already have many fun ideas for Red Nose Day 2021 so watch this space.”

Eric Salama, Chair of Comic Relief added: “Fiona is at the heart of delivering some of the nation’s freshest entertainment and engaging with younger audiences and is an incredible addition to our Board.”

In July it emerged that Comic Relief was considering cutting one in four jobs due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 crisis. Up to 60 people were facing redundancy out of a total workforce of 240.

Comic Relief has confirmed that the number of redundancies has been scaled back but will still affect 44 staff.

The next Comic Relief Red Nose Day telethon is scheduled for March 2021, but the Phone-paid Services Authority has warned that charity telethons could be hit hard later this financial year due to recession.