Welfare Science

Animal Welfare Movement Leadership

Leadership development within the animal welfare movement creates capacity for sustained, strategic, and effective advocacy, with organisations investing in this as a force multiplier for welfare impact.

Key Facts

Many animal welfare organisations face leadership succession challenges
Diverse leadership including from communities affected by food system change strengthens advocacy
Professional skills in policy, communications, and law are needed alongside passion
Women lead many animal welfare organisations but are underrepresented in some leadership roles
Mentorship programmes accelerate leadership development in the welfare movement

Welfare Considerations

Investing in animal welfare leadership development is a leveraged welfare intervention that builds lasting capacity. Supporting emerging leaders through mentorship, training, and opportunities creates a multiplier effect on welfare impact. Diverse, skilled leadership strengthens the movement.

What You Can Do

Support leadership development programmes within animal welfare organisations
Mentor emerging welfare advocates if you have relevant experience and expertise
Engage with welfare movement governance and leadership diversity as a movement health issue