24.07.2026 – BBC Children in Need has today announced the appointment of Zahra Hedges and Jane Holbrook to its Board of Trustees, further strengthening the charity’s leadership as it continues to support children and young people facing challenges across the UK. 

Zahra Hedges is a senior leader with more than 20 years’ experience spanning the charity, public, social enterprise and private sectors. Throughout her career, she has focused on improving outcomes for children and young people, with particular expertise in early intervention, systems change, impact, governance and organisational transformation. 

Zahra currently works as an independent consultant and executive interim, alongside undertaking an Executive Interdisciplinary MBA and a Ministerial Appointment to the Board of Skills Development Scotland. 

Prior to this, Zahra served as Chief Executive of Winning Scotland from 2021 to February 2026. During her tenure, she led significant organisational growth, strengthened the charity’s strategic direction and governance, expanded partnerships and programme delivery, and enhanced its approach to measuring impact. Under her leadership, Winning Scotland increased its reach and developed new programmes to support the confidence, resilience and wellbeing of children and young people across Scotland. 

Zahra commented on her appointment, saying: “I am delighted to be joining the Board of Trustees at BBC Children in Need. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about creating the conditions for children and young people to thrive, particularly through early intervention and addressing the systemic challenges that can hold them back. 

“BBC Children in Need plays a vital role in supporting children and young people facing disadvantage across the UK, and I am looking forward to working alongside fellow Trustees and the wider team to help maximise the charity’s impact and ensure even more children can access the support they need.” 

Jane Holbrook joins the charity with more than 20 years of board-level experience across major consumer-facing organisations. She is currently Chair Designate of Housing 21, one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit providers of housing and care for older people, and serves as Senior Independent Director at Busy Bees, one of the world’s largest early-years education and childcare providers. A qualified accountant with an MBA and an MSc in Coaching and Behavioural Change, she brings expertise in supporting organisational and cultural development, bringing strategy alive and strong financial stewardship. 

Jane is well known for her leadership at Wagamama, where she progressed from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Operating Officer and subsequently Chief Executive. During her tenure, she led a period of significant growth and international expansion, culminating in the company’s acquisition by The Restaurant Group. Alongside her commercial leadership experience, her current role at Busy Bees provides valuable board-level insight into a large, regulated organisation focused on supporting children the best start in life. 

Speaking of her appointment, Jane said: “It is a privilege to join the Board of Trustees at BBC Children in Need and to be part of an organisation that has made such a huge positive difference to the lives of so many children and young people for decades.   

“I look forward to bringing my experience in governance, leadership and organisational development to help the charity continue its important work and deliver lasting impact for children, families and communities across the UK.” 

Commenting on the appointments, James Fairclough, Chair of BBC Children in Need, said:  

“I’m delighted to welcome Zahra and Jane to the BBC Children in Need Board of Trustees. Together they bring extensive leadership and governance experience and a commitment to public service, which will further strengthen our Board. 

“As we look to the future, their knowledge and judgement will help ensure we have the greatest possible impact for children and young people across the UK.” 

BBC Children in Need supports children and young people across the UK, funding vital projects that help children when they need it most. The charity currently supports more than 1,600 local charities and projects, helping children and young people to thrive. 

More information about BBC Children in Need’s Board of Trustees is available on the charity’s website. 

~ENDS~ 

For further information contact: [email protected]  

Notes to editors 

About BBC Children in Need 

• BBC Children in Need believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to thrive and be the best they can be. 

• BBC Children in Need’s ambition is to create lasting, positive change across the UK for the children and young people who need it most. Together with the BBC and partners, BBC Children in Need aim to inspire the nation in support of their work. 

• BBC Children in Need’s 1,600 local charities and projects work tirelessly in every corner of the UK to help children & young people overcome the additional challenges they currently face, including supporting children and young people living in poverty, providing emergency support to families in crisis, providing comfort to children feeling sad, lost and alone, helping children overcome social injustice and supporting children to feel safe and secure again. 

• Further information can be found at bbc.co.uk/pudsey