The Client
War on Want is an anti poverty charity and campaigning organisation founded in 1951. It focuses on tackling the root causes of poverty, inequality, and human rights abuses rather than just their symptoms. It is an organisation that is never afraid to speak out and challenge injustice.
War on Want campaigns for change in policies and actions that contribute to poverty and exploitation. It conducts research and publishes reports exposing discrimination, and works in solidarity with grassroots movements, trade unions, and workers’ groups in the Global South, supporting local struggles for rights and economic justice.
Key Objectives
In 2025 Oxford HR supported the council of management at War on Want in the appointment of Liz McKean as Executive Director. When we began this project, we knew it was essential to find a candidate aligned with their mission and approach, who would confidently speak out in support of issues such as tax fairness, justice in Palestine and a green new deal, while also bringing a genuinely inclusive leadership approach and strategies to secure new funding.
Services
- Find Exceptional Leaders
Interest in this position was exceptional with a high-calibre and committed group of people interviewing for this important position. Oxford HR supported War on Want, not only by leading an executive search process, but also by working in partnership, to ensure the selection was rigorous, fair, and aligned with War on Want’s values.
Alia Al Ghussain, Chair, of the council of management, said
‘We used Oxford HR and could not recommend them enough. They were extremely professional and diligent. It felt like it was as important to them that we found the right person for this role as it was for us.’
Nafeesa Usman, from Oxford HR, reflects that
‘in an organisation like this one, the Executive Director must navigate the paradox of challenging external power while holding internal authority. This is a difficult tension to hold as a leader in advocacy. It requires integrity, good judgement and emotional intelligence. Liz demonstrated she could bring all of this’.
Liz’s appointment was announced this month. She says,
‘my commitment is to build on our proud legacy, bringing leadership that is rooted in transformative, feminist principles. My own career has been anchored in human rights, both at Amnesty International UK and as Co-Founder of the UK End Violence Against Woman Coalition, work that has profoundly shaped how I understand power and how it can be challenged. History shows that when people come together to take collective action, a better, fairer world becomes possible. That is the challenge ahead of us.’
The team at Oxford HR wish her the very best.
Oxford HR has a long history of working with advocacy and campaigning organisations across the sector. We understand the need to balance a passion for justice, and the ability to inspire people with the realities of fundraising, finance and governance. To explore how we can support you, contact Zoe Greenwood, Deputy Director, at zgreenwood@oxfordhr.com.
