In a strategic shift aimed at enhancing its global impact, Christian Aid has announced plans to reduce its workforce by almost half. This move is part of a broader international restructuring effort designed to better address the needs of impoverished communities.
Despite speculation that these changes are a reaction to decreased government funding, the charity clarified its intent to become “more responsive and accountable to communities living in poverty.”
Currently, Christian Aid employs approximately 720 individuals. However, according to a report from Civil Society, the restructuring could result in a reduction to around 400 staff members.
Consultations with staff members are ongoing, with final decisions anticipated by mid-June. The majority of job reductions are expected to occur in the United Kingdom.
The goal of these workforce adjustments is to reduce fixed costs, thereby freeing up more resources for international partner organizations. Christian Aid is transitioning from a country office model to a partnership-based framework supported by five international hubs.
The new hubs will be located in Bogota, Abuja, Nairobi, Amman, and Dhaka, providing a wide geographical reach.
Christian Aid intends to maintain its programs in the 26 countries where it currently operates, albeit with a reduced on-the-ground staff presence. The organization has already successfully implemented this approach in regions such as the Middle East and Ukraine.
CEO Patrick Watt emphasized, “We are committed to shifting power to people whose lives are scarred by poverty, so they can make their voices heard, and create their own opportunities for a better life.”
Watt noted that the organization is moving away from default responses originating in the UK, advocating for local-level management whenever feasible.
While dismissing the notion that staff reductions are directly linked to government aid cuts, Watt acknowledged the necessity of considering these factors in future planning.
“The changes have been planned carefully over the last 12 months. While the proposals we are launching today are not driven by cuts to official aid, we believe that recent decisions by donor governments validate our choice to be a majority voluntary-funded organisation, which collaborates intentionally with institutional funders where we share a common agenda.”
He further stated, “It is clear that the role of INGOs is changing as the world around us changes. It needs to transform further if we’re to contribute more effectively to tackling poverty and marginalisation. Christian Aid is committed to that transformation, in a way that builds on our history of working alongside others for equality, dignity and justice.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
