On 30th November the Start Network Board of Trustees was informed of Sean Lowrie’s intention to leave the Start Network in mid-2019. Mr. Lowrie has been the Director of the Start Network since its inception in 2010, facilitating its growth in scale and ambition to over 40 members from 15 countries now involved and a focus on changing the global humanitarian system.
He told the Board of Trustees: “The Start Network is at an exciting moment. Over the past eight years, I have led the emergence of the Network, through highs and lows and I feel confident that the organisation is moving into 2019 in an excellent position. It is positioned at the forefront of improving humanitarian action, its finances and donor support are better than ever, it is becoming an independent organisation after a successful incubation by Save the Children, and its portfolio of products and initiatives is exciting. The Team is dynamic, intelligent, kind and humble. The membership is committed to delivering our vision. I feel honoured to have worked with so many remarkable people over these years, who are committed to leading the change needed in the global aid system. This is the right moment to hand over to someone with fresh ideas and energy and who can take the Network to the next level.”
Christof Gabriel Maetze, Chair of the Start Network Board said: “On behalf of the entire Board I would like to thank Sean for his work, dedication and relentless energy in making the Start Network what it is today. From humble beginnings, he has developed the Network with his Team, created innovative programmes with real impact and laid the groundwork for the organisation’s independence. I am very grateful for his continued work over the next six months on this important transition to successfully finalizing the process of independence, ensuring Start Network is fit for the future.
Mr Lowrie has been Director of the Start Network since 2010 and will step down on 30 June 2019. A new independent Start Network charity (which is currently hosted by Save the Children UK) is intended to be set up from 1 March 2019, to service the growth and evolution of the Network. Mr. Lowrie will transfer into the new Charity and serve as its CEO for four months while the recruitment for new leadership takes place. The Board will be launching recruitment in January.
Notes to Editor
The Start Network is made up of more than 40 national and international aid agencies from five continents. Their aim is to deliver effective aid, harnessing the power and knowledge of the network to make faster and better decisions to help people affected by crises. It is funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Jersey, Belgium, Germany, and the Ikea Foundation.
Members of Start Network: Action Against Hunger (ACF); ACTED; Action Aid; Adeso; Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA); ARDD-Legal Aid; Cadena; Cafod; Care International; Caritas Bangladesh; Caritas Sri Lanka; Catholic Relief Services (CRS);Christian Aid; Community World Service Asia; Concern Worldwide; Cordaid; Doctors of the World; Dorcas; Goal; Humanity and Inclusion; Help Age International; International Medical Corps; International Rescue Committee (IRC);Islamic Relief Worldwide; Mines Advisory Group; Mercy Corps; Muslim Aid; Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC); Oxfam; PARC; Plan International; PRO-VIDA; Qatar Charity; Relief International; Save the Children; Solidarites International; Tearfund; Trocaire; War Child; Welt Hunger Hilfe; World Jewish Relief; World Vision