Chris Sherwood

Chris joined the RSPCA in August 2018 and came with fifteen years’ experience of working in the voluntary sector. Chris joined Relate in 2012 as Director of Policy, Communications and Digital Services before becoming CEO in July 2015. He was instrumental in moving Relate to a new blended organisational structure, developing their digital services, and growing their influencing and campaigning voice.

Chris joined Relate from Scope where he was the Director of Innovation and Development. He was previously a Senior Development Manager at Nesta where he led their work on Co-production, People Powered Health and Ageing.

Prior to joining the voluntary sector he worked in Westminster and local government. His career interest to date has been on policy, innovation and service improvement.

Since joining the RSPCA, his excellent leadership skills enabled the delivery of the biggest governance changes to the organisation since 1974 whilst having to challenge the balance between rational vs emotional responses to those changes.

In his role as our chief executive, Chris continues to build coalitions and focus on the benefits of the change, and is building a new strategy for the organisation, looking ahead to its 200th anniversary in 2024 and beyond. He is keen to continue to shape the debate about animals in society and how we can develop and maintain services that meet the needs of animals and the people who care for them.