Chair
Safe Passage International was founded in response to the refugee crisis in Europe. They have grown from a small project of the charity Citizens UK, to a separate international organisation. Safe Passage International now comprises staff based in the UK, France, and Greece, supporting refugees to access safe and legal routes to asylum across Europe. To date, thousands of individuals have traveled to safety through routes that the organisation has opened.
At this critical time, Safe Passage was seeking a new Chair of Trustees who had true commitment to their mission; to open up safe and legal routes to protection through advocacy, community organising, and legal work.
The new Chair would bring a strong understanding of the role of Boards as well as good governance experience and significant strategic leadership. They would serve as an effective ambassador working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and motivated board. Safe Passage was particularly interested in applications from candidates with lived experience of seeking asylum. Safe Passage value the unique insight this experience brings to shaping strategy and mission as well as maintaining a direct connection with communities who are directly affected by the issues they work on.
Prospectus was successful in providing a high-calibre longlist with candidates meeting the desired requirements. Safe Passage’s placement, Magid Magid, was formerly Lord Mayor of Sheffield and was a member of the European Parliament. He is a Somali-British activist who came to the UK as a refugee aged five. He is the Founder and Director of Union for Justice, an independent organisation focused on racial and climate justice.
He said: “It’s a real pleasure and privilege to be taking on this role at such a crucial time. Safe Passage International is an exceptional charity that has been playing an integral role in improving access to safe routes for refugees as well as creating an environment where they thrive. We have a great team and an excellent vision, and I look forward to playing my part in carrying out vital work and helping build on the amazing effort that has already been happening, especially at a pivotal time when we are witnessing the dehumanisation of refugees in the UK and across Europe.”