The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation announces appointment of new Deputy Secretary General
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, which drives and supports the Award’s growth, access and impact across more than 120 countries, is delighted to announce that Hannah Stoddart will be joining them as Deputy Secretary General and Chief Operating Officer.
Hannah brings a wealth of experience as a senior leader in organisations working with children and young people in the UK and globally. Most recently she served as the Executive Director of Strategy and Impact at the UK’s National Citizen Service (NCS), where she played a leading role in transforming the NCS strategy to respond to the changing needs of young people and the wider youth sector. Prior to NCS she held executive roles at Step Up to Serve, leading their partnerships and impact work, and at War Child where she was responsible for communications, digital, policy and advocacy for the international charity, following time spent in senior roles at a number of other international and humanitarian charities.
Hannah is a prominent advocate for the value of non-formal learning experiences and was instrumental in the establishment of the ‘Enrichment for All’ partnership between NCS and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award UK, promoting the importance of enrichment in the education system. As a Trustee of Dartington Service Design Lab, she is also passionate about the design and delivery of responsive services and programmes for children and young people.
As Deputy Secretary General, Hannah will play a key role in ambitious plans to grow participation in the Award from 1.2 million young people, working with national and international operators and partners to bring the transformative opportunities of non-formal education to more young people from across the world.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation. I have always been so inspired by the work of the Award, and have had the privilege of working in close partnership with the Award in the UK. I am excited to bring my combination of experience to the International Award – of senior leadership, working with children and young people, and delivering global programmes”, said Hannah.
Martin Houghton-Brown, Secretary General, said, “This is a fantastic appointment for the Award. We are delighted that someone with such a strong track record of delivering change for young people is joining the team. Hannah will bring a great deal of insight and energy to our global Association of Operators, where she will experience the welcome and ambition of the whole Award family.”
