Save the Children UK has announced plans to restructure, placing 197 jobs at risk as part of a reorganisation aimed at increasing its impact both in the UK and globally while strengthening its financial position.

Staff were informed today that the charity intends to save £6 million annually from its £44 million wage bill through a ‘Refocus for Impact’ strategy. The plan will prioritise UK initiatives while sharpening its international focus on protecting children in crisis, improving health and education outcomes, and addressing the consequences of climate change and inequality.

Chief Executive Moazzam Malik stated that more funding would be directed towards families, communities, and local partners.

“Children in the UK and around the world are facing growing challenges due to poverty, conflict, and climate change,” he said. “This reorganisation will allow us to respond more effectively by shifting scarce resources from HQ activities to frontline challenges.”

Like many charities, Save the Children UK has experienced rising costs outpacing its income, with staff expenditure increasing by £7 million over four years amid inflationary pressures.

Discussions on the ‘Refocus for Impact’ plan began in 2024, well before this month’s announcement of a freeze on USAID funding, which has led to warnings of job losses at Save the Children US and Save the Children International.

The charity’s latest annual report showed stable income of £296 million in 2023, with £295 million spent primarily on emergency response (£79 million), education (£67 million), and health (£37 million), alongside significant investments in family livelihoods, nutrition, and child protection. Income for 2024 is projected to see a slight increase.

Staff across much of the organisation will now be consulted on the proposed changes. To minimise compulsory redundancies, a voluntary redundancy programme will be offered.