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How the British Red Cross is run

Meet the teams who keep us focused on our mission to connect human kindness with human crisis. See our strategy, structure and our finances.

The British Red Cross is governed by a board of trustees. They ensure that as an organisation we are effective in working towards achieving our vision, using our resources to maximum effect and upholding our core ethos and values.

The board’s role and functions are laid out in the Society's Royal Charter, supplemented by Standing Orders which set out our rules of governance. The board meets four times a year.

The executive leadership team is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation. It meets once a month.

Patron

His Majesty The King

President

Formerly, His Majesty The King (2003 - 2024)

Deputy presidents

Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, the Hon Lady Ogilvy KG GCVO

Honorary vice-presidents

Sylvia, Countess of Limerick CBE
Professor John McClure OBE
Mrs Elspeth Thomas CBE DL
Sir Nick Young

Vice-presidents

Mr Anthony Andrews
Ms Angela Rippon OBE
Mrs Maria Shammas MBE

How we are governed

Our finances

From the annual report and accounts to staff salaries, see where our money comes from and how we spend it.

The international Movement

We don’t work alone. We’re part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s largest humanitarian network.

Corporate strategy

We have a strategy in place to help us increase out impact and reach more people in crisis.

Our policies

We are committed to transparency. You can read summaries of our policies and download the full documents.

Our Royal Charter

The Royal Charter sets out our purpose, powers, rules and legal responsibilities.

Our executive leadership team

Meet the team responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation.

Our trustees

We're governed by a board of trustees who volunteer their time and expertise.

Our committees

As part of our commitment to transparency, see which committees make decisions on behalf of the British Red Cross board.

Do you have a question about this page or want to give us feedback? Visit our Contact Us page.