Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has appointed David Nussbaum as its new chair of trustees, marking a significant leadership transition for the U.K.-based debt relief charity amid growing national concerns over household financial insecurity.
Nussbaum’s appointment, announced Monday, Nov. 10, follows the departure of Roger Hattam, who served nearly 10 years on CAP’s board. The charity said the change comes at a pivotal moment as rising unemployment and household debt place increased pressure on vulnerable families across the country.
CAP Chief Executive Officer Stewart McCulloch said he was “absolutely delighted” by the appointment, noting that Nussbaum brings wide-ranging experience from both commercial and nonprofit sectors, along with a long record of service grounded in Christian faith and justice.
“David’s impressive career spans both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, reflecting a life dedicated to impactful leadership,” McCulloch said. As former Chief Financial Officer at Oxfam and later CEO of Transparency International, WWF-UK, and The Elders — a group founded by Nelson Mandela — he said Nussbaum had consistently promoted integrity, sustainability, peace, and human rights.
McCulloch described Nussbaum as “a man of faith and family,” noting that he and his wife, Anna, raised four adult children and have been active members of their local church for more than 30 years. That grounding, he said, aligns closely with CAP’s mission “to care for the vulnerable and seek justice.”
The leadership transition comes as CAP intensifies its advocacy amid worsening economic indicators. Figures released Monday by the Office for National Statistics show the U.K. unemployment rate has risen to 5% in the three months to September 2025 — the highest since 2021.
In a statement, CAP said it remains deeply concerned that millions of households cannot afford basic essentials, pointing to a “concerning picture of soaring debt and income deficit.” The charity urged the government to act, warning that “9.5 million U.K. adults are unable to afford life’s essentials, and 9.2 million are grappling with unmanageable debt.”
“We are witnessing a profound household debt crisis that demands urgent government intervention,” McCulloch said.
