Freedom from Torture appoints new Chair of Trustees

Freedom from Torture, the only UK-wide charity that exists specifically to support people who have survived torture to recover and rebuild their lives, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Sayer as the new Chair of Trustees, effective 22 October. 

Kate brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to human rights, making her an ideal leader for the organisation as it continues its vital work in supporting survivors of torture.

Kate has recently retired from her previous role as the Director of Integrity and Ethics at Oxfam. Prior, she was a partner at Sayer Vincent, a professional firm focusing solely on social purpose organisations. Until recently, Kate served as Chair of Bond, the membership organisation for development charities registered in the UK. 

With a background as a qualified chartered accountant, Kate has dedicated her skills to furthering humanitarian causes and has amassed extensive experience in charity governance, risk management, and leadership. 

Kate Sayer, Chair of Trustees at Freedom from Torture, said: 

“I am honoured to take up the role of Chair of Trustees at this special charity. As the risk of authoritarianism rises around the world, the work of Freedom from Torture has never been more crucial in supporting survivors of torture to heal and rebuild their lives in safety here in the UK. Together with my fellow Trustees, I look forward to guiding the charity through its next chapter and supporting the leadership of survivors, both within Freedom from Torture and in the wider global fight against torture.”

Sonya Sceats, Chief Executive at Freedom from Torture, said: 

“We are thrilled to welcome Kate to Freedom from Torture. Her extensive experience in charity governance and leadership, combined with her deep commitment to humanitarian goals, will be invaluable as we continue evolving our clinical services for survivors and delivering award-winning survivor-led campaigns against torture and for the rights of survivors, including as refugees. Under Kate’s leadership of our Board, we look forward to growing Freedom from Torture’s impact both for individual survivors and as part of a united civil society defence of the absolute ban on torture.”