Alison Maccoll has been elected the new chair of Christian World Service’s board. 
Currently working as an advisor to the Red Cross Christchurch Recovery team she brings considerable development experience and commitment to social justice to the task.
“CWS’s approach to social justice and strong focus on working with and standing alongside local partners is so critical to achieving social change in the communities we support,” said Alison Maccoll.
Alison has worked in Africa, Asia and the Middle East supporting and managing humanitarian response after disaster and war.  As a food and nutrition specialist she has provided training for local groups and managed community development programmes, including for the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Somalia and Sri Lanka.  She has also helped local groups learn the skills to manage the bureaucracy of aid.
“Making sure communities have the resources they need so everyone has good food to eat and a decent livelihood is a cornerstone of development.  CWS partners work hard to make this happen and are not afraid to advocate for change,” she added.
At the annual general meeting last November, CWS adopted a new governance structure, merging the Council made up of denominational representatives with the skills-based Board.  There is a new Board position elected by The Supporter’s Council.  The Council is an opportunity for groups and individuals who have made a financial contribution to participate in the decision-making process of CWS.  Board members are appointed for a three year term which can be renewed once.
Alison succeeds the Rev Graeme Nicholas who as acting chair has led the board through significant changes in the funding environment and considerable upheaval from Christchurch’s many earthquakes.
Denominational Members: Rev Robert Kereopa for the Anglican Church, Lyndsay Jacobs for the Christian Churches New Zealand, Rev Prince Devanandan for the Methodist Church, Sally Russell for the Presbyterian Church and the position for the Quakers is currently vacant.Other Board Members: John Caldwell, Jill Hawkey, Graeme Nicholas, Jenny Smith, Norman West and Pauline McKay (ex officio).
Note:Christian World Service has been doing a world of good since 1945.  It works with local groups in 20 countries who are making change happen so people can live a life free from poverty.  CWS is a member of ACT Alliance, a global coalition of more than 140 churches and church related organisations that work together in the areas of humanitarian assistance, advocacy and community development.  
4 April 2014