Prisoners Abroad welcomes new Treasurer

We are delighted to announce that the board of trustees has appointed Carole Johnson MVO MBE to serve as Treasurer of Prisoners Abroad. 

Following a Law degree, Carole qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) with Ernst & Young before spending the next decade in professional training. She spent six years living and working in Singapore after which she joined the FCDO in London. She first came across Prisoners Abroad in 2007 as Head of Consular Policy, Prisoners and Human Rights and, struck by the compassion and determination of staff, she has been a supporter since.  Through her work she has visited prisons in a number of countries, witnessing first hand the challenges faced by British people incarcerated far from family and friends. 
 
A return to finance as a School Business Manager in 2018 was followed by three years living in India where Carole volunteered with several schools and youth organisations. Having served as treasurer in voluntary roles throughout her working career, Carole is now thrilled to be able to contribute as the treasurer for Prisoners Abroad. 

Carole says: 

Having worked alongside Prisoners Abroad in 2007 and then supported them ever since, I was thrilled when the role of trustee and treasurer was advertised late last year. As one former colleague said to me, your working life actually has three phases “Learn, Earn, and Return” and having retired relatively recently, my desire to return is strong. I cannot conceive of a more worthwhile organisation to support than Prisoners Abroad. The conscientious and passionate staff give invaluable support to those imprisoned far from home, actively prevent destitution for some returning to the UK, offering practical and constructive ways forward, and are there for family and friends whose lives have also been turned upside down when a loved one is imprisoned overseas. It is not always an obvious contender when asking for donations, which makes the compassion and belief from those who support Prisoners Abroad all the more valuable. Those involved are non-judgemental, are passionate about human rights, and know that everyone deserves respect and a helping hand in times of need. I could not be prouder to serve as a trustee.

Chief Executive of Prisoners Abroad, Christopher Stacey, says: 

Carole brings not only a wealth of financial expertise - having qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and held senior finance roles - but also a heartfelt commitment to our mission. Her senior level financial roles and experience as a voluntary treasurer, combined with her passion for our cause, make her a wonderful addition to our board of trustees. With our new strategy and priorities for 2030 now in motion, we’re excited to continue to build on our strong financial governance with Carole’s expertise and support.

We are incredibly grateful to Martin Atkinson, who has stepped down from the board after serving as a trustee and treasurer for 8 years. His commitment to financial oversight, supporting trustees to take financial decisions, and ensuring the charity's financial viability and adherence to good practice, alongside a strong personal commitment to the cause, has been quite outstanding.

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