THE British Red Cross has announced the appointment of three new trustees, who bring a wealth of experience from the international aid, finance and charity sector.

Kirsty Robeson, Katherine Igras and Anna Prag all have experience as volunteers for the Red Cross and other charities to add to their professional experience and take up their positions in January 2021.

No stranger to charity organisations and international development, Anna Prag has previously worked for the European Commission, Plan International, ARK and most recently Indigo & Linbury Trust. She currently mentors a young refugee and is also on the board of a dance company, Ballet Black. 

Katherine Igras works for Barclays as the Head of Communications and Colleague Engagement for Global Technology and Infrastructure. Katherine began volunteering with the British Red Cross Refugee Service over five years ago as a Caseworker and Befriender.

Finally, Kirsty Robeson is the current President of The British Red Cross for Co. Durham and Teesside as well as Chair of the Presidents’ Advisory Panel.  She acts as an ambassador for the charity, working in partnership with other volunteers, operational staff and fundraising staff to promote the society.

Speaking of her upcoming appointment, Anna said:

“My professional life has been spent working in international development and with charitable foundations.  I first came across the Red Cross when I saw its work on the ground in humanitarian crises.  I am excited about getting to know all the bits of the organisation I don’t know yet and working with the rest of the Board to ensure that the Red Cross can do what it does even better.”

Katherine believes Brexit and COVID-19 have increased the volatility and uncertainty of the coming years. Katherine said:

“My guess is that the next few years will be difficult for many people in the UK, so the demand for Red Cross services by vulnerable people will rapidly increase. I hope to bring my whole self to this role. I have passion for the Red Cross mission, the experience of delivering the services to refugees and people who are seeking asylum, commercial awareness gained from working in the private sector; and communication and teamwork skills. No task is too small, or challenge too great.”

Kirsty has a clear goal in mind as she takes up her seat on the board.

Kirsty said:

“I am most excited about the actual difference we can make to people’s lives when we get it right, it is crucial to keep our staff and volunteers happy and healthy in these difficult circumstances so that they can continue to provide help to those that need it. Hopefully being a non-corporate northerner, I can, on occasions, bring a different perspective.”

The British Red Cross board is made up of seven elected and six co-opted members, appointed by the board. Anna, Katherine and Kirsty will join the board on 1 January 2021.