The NSPCC has recruited the RSPCA’s chief executive Chris Sherwood to be its next boss.

He takes over as CEO at the children’s charity in January 2025 after six years leading the RSPCA.

At the NSPCC he replaces Peter Wanless, who announced in April he will stepping down after 11 years at the children’s charity.

Wanless will remain in post until December this year.

The NPSCC’s chair Neil Berkett said that Sherwood, who is a former CEO of relationship charity Relate, has “an impressive track record in leading some of the UK’s best-known charities”.

During the NSPCC’s recruitment process Sherwood was interviewed by members of the charity’s young people’s board.

“I am confident that Chris will continue to drive forward our clear mission to make sure everyone plays their part in keeping children safe, that every child is safe online and that every child feels heard,” said Berkett.

“I know he will also keep alive our shared values, continue to foster our unique, collaborative culture and redouble our efforts to take a stand for all children.”

He added that Wanless has “worked tirelessly over the past 11 years to champion the voices and experiences of children and young people, who need us now more than ever. I wish him the very best of success and happiness in his future endeavours”.

The animal charity’s chair Claire Horton said: “Whilst we are hugely sorry to be losing Chris from RSPCA we are thrilled for him and his new role at NSPCC.

“Chris has led the RSPCA through an exceptional six years which have seen his inspiring vision and leadership transform the oldest animal welfare charity into a modern, forward facing organisation changing the world for the better for every kind of animal.”

During his time at the RSPCA he has overseen its first rebrand since the 1970s and the sale of its headquarters in West Sussex as it moved to flexible and hybrid models of working.

“Chris has spearheaded a seismic transformation, modernising leadership, culture and governance,” added Horton.

Sherwood points out that the RSPCA and NSPCC “shares heritage” with each other, with members of the animal rights charity helping to set up the child protection charity during the Victorian era.

The charities still retain links, with RSPCA officers reporting any potential child protection issues they encounter during their investigations.

“I have been so honoured to lead the world’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, and it’s fitting at the close of the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary year to be joining the NSPCC - a charity which shares heritage with the RSPCA as well as the same desire to create a kinder and more compassionate society,” he said.

Recruitment by the RSPCA to replace Sherwood will launch during the autumn.

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