New SCIAF director announced

Catholic development agency SCIAF has announced the appointment of new director Patricia Chalé.

SCIAF exists to help impoverished communities in countries like Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo work their way out of poverty.

In 2011 the charity provided direct help to over 279,000 people which benefitted more than three million people in total.

Ms Chalé is the current Executive Director of Caritas Diocese of Westminster, an agency which works to address poverty and social exclusion.

She takes up her new post at SCIAF on 1 December.

She said: “I am extremely delighted and honoured to have been appointed as Director of SCIAF.

"I very much look forward to working with the team to build on SCIAF’s very good work in addressing the huge gulf between the rich and poor in the world.

"Working in close collaboration with SCIAF’s Board, I look forward to strengthening its mandate as the official international aid agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland.”

The process to appoint a new director was led by SCIAF’s President, Bishop Peter Moran.

He welcomed Ms Chalé to her new role.

“During an exacting selection process, Patricia particularly impressed the recruitment panel with her drive and commitment. I am so pleased that we have found Patricia and I know she will be an excellent leader for SCIAF’s able staff team," he said.

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, President of the Bishops’ Conference and Chairman of SCIAF, said: “We do hope to go forward now ever more positively with our Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, not only offering immediate relief when there is disaster but ensuring that there is long term support for communities with which we are engaged and that advocacy continues on our initiative, where that particular help is needed.

"I welcome Ms Patricia Chalé most sincerely and assure her of every support from our Bishops’ Conference of Scotland and indeed from the people of Scotland.”