The Rory Peck Trust has announced the choice of Sarah Ward-Lilley, BBC News’ Head of International Bureaux, as the new Chair of its Board. She takes over from Michael Jermey, ITV’s Director of News and Current Affairs who is stepping down after more than three years on the seat. Ward-Lilley has had close ties with the Trust since 1998, first as producer of the Rory Peck Awards and then as a Trustee, joining the board in 2004.
She has to her credit, more than 20 years experience working with BBC news teams around the world starting as a TV bulletin producer and then worked into the field. Later she became Managing Editor of BBC Newsgathering, and later Deputy Head, with special responsibility for safety, training and welfare. In her current role she oversees over 80 international bureaux. Sarah served for eight years as Vice President of the EBU News Committee. Last year, she was elected onto the Board of the UK Psychological Trauma Society and she’s also a school governor.
In her words’ “The Rory Peck Trust is a unique and very special organization that has an impact and reach way beyond its size. Having spent much of the last ten years managing international news teams, I am very aware of the challenges and dangers that journalists face. But it’s the specific obstacles, issues and concerns that freelancer’s face which has made me so committed to the work of the Trust. I’m looking forward to working with Tina Carr and the Board to help continue the Trust’s development and widen its support base over the coming years.”
Tina Carr, Director of the Rory Peck Trust, said, “I welcome Sarah Ward-Lilley as our new Chair. She has been closely involved with the Trust for the last 14 years, giving practical support and advice. Her understanding of our work, together with her experience of international newsgathering make her the ideal person to head the Trust as we expand the reach and impact of our work around the world. I know I will enjoy working with her.”
