A letter from our Chief Executive - Rising to global challenges with courage and collaboration in 2025

LOOKING FORWARD: A tenth year of opportunity and impact

As we step into February, with our ten-year anniversary celebrations in April fast approaching, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to our volunteers, staff, partners, donors, and all who support and believe in REACT’s mission. It is your incredible contributions that have brought us to this point. 2024 was a year filled with both transformation and challenge, and it’s your resilience, dedication, and heart that have driven our achievements. Together, in 2024 we delivered over 15,000 hours of life-changing support to those in need - an inspiring testament to your unwavering commitment.

2024 also saw significant changes within REACT. We said goodbye to some valued colleagues while welcoming new faces to our team. It's essential to celebrate the contributions of everyone who has helped shape REACT’s journey. I’m especially grateful that many of those who have moved on have chosen to remain as Responders, continuing their commitment to our mission. This speaks volumes about the strength of our community and our shared purpose.

We know we face a rapidly shifting and increasingly complex global landscape. From the escalating climate crisis to the challenges posed by prolonged conflicts and violations of International Humanitarian Law, the need for humanitarian action has never been more urgent. Systems at home and abroad are stretched to their limits, and REACT plays a vital role in responding to these crises. Our commitment to supporting the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities remains at the core of our mission, and I have no doubt that together, we will continue to make a meaningful impact where it’s needed most.

However, it’s impossible to ignore the broader context in which we operate. The recent statement from InterAction on the US State Department’s “stop work” order serves as a stark reminder of how deeply interconnected humanitarian work is with global politics. With the US government’s aid freeze, we are reminded of just how big the challenges we face truly are. While we understand the realities of working within a system influenced by political forces, this erosion of humanitarian principles is deeply concerning. It’s a wake-up call: we need widespread systems change.

Although I am gutted by these shifts, perhaps the US aid freeze could serve as a catalyst for the change we need. Now more than ever, it’s imperative that humanitarian organisations like REACT stay committed to the core principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence. The value we provide goes beyond political agendas. We are here to help those in need, irrespective of nationality, religion, or politics.

As we rise to these challenges, we will need the same grit, adaptability, and compassion that have got us this far. Change will be necessary, whether it’s in our systems, processes, or even our behaviours - to ensure we stay true to REACT’s humanitarian purpose. While we may not always have consensus, I believe our shared commitment to learning and improvement will guide us forward.

To help keep us focused, I’ve divided 2025 into three key phases:

Fuel (January to March): A sharp focus on closing the financial year strong. Thanks to your efforts, we’re slightly ahead of our fundraising expectations, and I’m encouraged by commitments from donors who have increased their support and pledged multi-year gifts. Let’s keep this momentum going to secure the resources we need to grow.

Core (April to September): From April, our focus will shift to strengthening operational capacity. The volume of work in 2024 was significant, and we faced strain as a result. In the coming months, we’ll lay the groundwork to ensure we’re equipped to rebuild and scale sustainably, responding to growing demand.

Future (October to December): While maintaining operational quality, we’ll also start shaping the future of REACT. Our current Strategic Plan runs through March 2026, and starting in the spring, we’ll begin crafting our vision for REACT’s journey to 2030. By the end of the year, I aim to have a clear plan approved by the Board.

These phases reflect both the urgency of our mission and our long-term vision for REACT’s growth and impact. As always, your ideas, energy, and feedback are not only welcome, they’re essential. I encourage you to share your thoughts as we move forward.

As we face the challenges and opportunities ahead, three things give me immense confidence:

Let’s make our tenth year a year of courage, collaboration, and transformative impact. Together, I know we can turn challenges into hope and continue creating lasting change, both in the UK and internationally. Thank you for everything you do and for the passion you bring to REACT’s mission every single day.

Yours ever,

Toby