Charity announces David Fielding, MBE, as new Chair

National animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports has announced the appointment of its new Chair of the Trustees.

David Fielding, MBE, brings a wealth of experience in both business and charity governance, plus a love of conservation, animal welfare, nature and wetlands.

The wildlife ponds he established and nurtured in his own garden were the subject of a feature by BBC Springwatch, and his efforts to rewild the area has seen him living alongside a family of foxes for many years.

David is currently Managing Partner at not-for-profit executive search firm Attenti, specialising in finding leaders for third sector organisations, and has experience in operations and human resources at director level. For a decade he was a special adviser to the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, and has also acted as an Independent Assessor for the Cabinet Office. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development and has a master's degree in political communications, advocacy and campaigning.

Emma Slawinksi, the League’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted that David has joined the League at what is a very exciting time for our charity, as we embark on a new five-year strategy to secure protections for all animals harmed through cruel ‘sports’.

“I know the League will only benefit from David’s leadership, which as well as solid business and charity experience also includes a passion for protecting wildlife and the environment.”

David joins five other trustees on the League’s board, including Astrid Clifford who had taken the role of interim Chair while the recruitment process took place.

He said: “Caring for the environment and its wildlife has long been a passion of mine, and I am excited to match that passion with the knowledge I have of the not-for-profit sector as the League’s new Chair.

“The organisation is made up of hugely talented people whose work has seen tangible changes made to protect animals up and down the UK, and I can’t wait to get started on helping the League in its next chapter.

Emma, who joined the League as its CEO in March this year, added: “I’d like to thank Astrid for all the support and guidance she has given me as I settled into my new role, and look forward to working with her, David, and the Board to deliver our new strategy.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For media enquiries or interview requests please contact the League Against Cruel Sports Press Office on 01483 524250 or email pressoffice@league.org.uk

The League Against Cruel Sports is Britain's leading charity that works to stop animals being persecuted, abused and killed for sport. The League was instrumental in helping bring about the landmark Hunting Act 2004, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 and bans on the use of snares brought about by the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023, and Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024.

We carry out investigations to expose law-breaking and cruelty to animals and campaign for stronger animal protection laws and penalties. We work to change attitudes and behaviour through education and manage wildlife reserves. Find out more about our work at www.league.org.uk. Registered charity in England and Wales (no.1095234) and Scotland (no.SC045533).