Jess Crombie is a researcher and scholar working as a Senior Lecturer at UAL, and as a consultant for the development and humanitarian sector working with organisations such as the UNHCR, DEC, Red Cross, Save the Children and UN WFP. In both contexts Jess utilises almost two decades as a senior leader in the charity sector to explore the ethical complexities in storytelling and find practical ways to navigate this responsibly. Her research focus is investigating the potential for power shifts by seeking out the opinions and ideas of the people who share their stories with INGOs around both process and portrayal. 

Jess commissioned and co-authored the ground-breaking research  ‘The People in the Pictures’, and later ‘Who Owns The Story’ and founded and now co-chairs the Bond sponsored 'People in the Pictures working group', set up to bring about sector wide change towards more ethical practises in the creation and use of images of poverty.  


Jess also has significant experience producing stories in across four continents, and has lead teams to create some of the most innovative and award winning content in the humanitarian sector. In her most recent role as Global Content Director Jess sat on the senior leadership team at Save the Children, set up and led a large global team working across 29 countries, and created content ranging from VR to participatory projects with children to experiential events, winning Save the Children awards including Cannes Lion Gold and Silver, a Clio, and a Silver British Arrow.


For a little more detail about Jess’ work, do check out this masterclass.