Dr David Ryall has been appointed as Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service UK and will be taking up the post at the start of May.
For the past four years, David has been the founding Director of the Santa Marta Group, a global anti-slavery initiative, chaired by Cardinal Vincent Nichols and with the encouragement of Pope Francis.
Prior to this, he led on international affairs and migration for the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, playing a central role in areas including the Church’s support for humanitarian projects in Gaza and the West Bank, displaced people in Northern Iraq, and anti-trafficking networks in Southeast Asia and West Africa.
He also supported the Bishops on initiatives such as promoting community sponsorship of refugees in Catholic parishes and challenging immigration detention.
Peter Gallagher, Provincial of the Jesuits in Britain welcomed the appointment, stating:
“JRS UK plays such a vital part in our mission, making a tangible difference to the lives of our sisters and brothers who have been forced to flee their homes. I’m delighted that our dedicated team will be strengthened by David’s considerable expertise and experience.
He brings a thorough understanding of the challenges facing forcibly displaced people both in the UK and around the world, as well as a clear commitment to advancing Pope Francis’ call for us to welcome, promote and protect refugees.”
“I’m excited to be joining refugee friends, volunteers and staff in shaping this next chapter of JRS UK’s work. Having had the privilege of working with the JRS UK team several times in the past, I’m very aware of the vital service the charity gives to people who are forced into destitution by the asylum system or subjected to the injustice of immigration detention, as well as the critical witness given by JRS globally.”
