The charity found his remarks could have been perceived as being at odds with the organisation’s response to a review of its working culture

The chair of Save the Children UK is to step down early from the post.

Peter Bennett-Jones is stepping down after comments he made to staff.

An independent investigation was carried into complaints about remarks he made during recent discussions with staff about the charity’s future direction.

The charity found his remarks could have been perceived as being at odds with the organisation’s response to a review of its working culture earlier in the year.

Bennett-Jones recognised this and has apologised for any upset he caused.

After three years as chair, I believe a change will help the organisation best tackle the complex challenges it faces

Peter Bennett-Jones

He has been a trustee of the charity since February 2015 and chair since September 2015, and had planned to stand down from the role later in 2019, but decided to bring forward his departure to January after an investigation into comments he had made at a meeting with staff.

Save the Children UK commissioned an independent review into its working culture this year after year after staff expressed concern about how the charity had handled allegations of sexual misconduct against some of its senior executives, including its former chief executive Justin Forsyth.

Forsyth, who led the charity between 2010 and 2015, admitted sending inappropriate text messages to junior female members of staff during his time Save the Children.

Following a Charity Commission inquiry, the charity pledged to work with staff to review its organisational structure and operations. The findings were published in October, found that 28% of staff said they had experienced either discrimination or harassment.

A statement from the Save the Children UK board said trustees were "grateful for Peter’s passionate commitment to our important cause and his unwavering dedication as chair over the past three years in steering the charity through some difficult times."

It said: "Trustees do not doubt Peter’s support for – and commitment to – the charity’s continuing efforts to strengthen its culture."

Bennett-Jones, who chairs an agency for people in the entertainment industry, said in a statement: "It has been a privilege to work with the staff and supporters of Save the Children UK, helping millions of deprived and marginalised children to survive and thrive in some of the most hostile environments in the world.

"After three years as chair, I believe a change will help the organisation best tackle the complex challenges it faces."

The charity said an interim chair would be appointed next month.