Save the Children chairman Sir Alan Parker is leaving after 10 years in the job

Save the Children boss Sir Alan Parker has stepped down from his role.

The charity’s international chairman was due to leave in December, but said now is the right moment for his successor to take over.

In a letter to colleagues, he said a change was needed given the challenges facing the charity and the sector.

Earlier this year it was reported that former Save the Children chief executive Justin Forsyth had faced three complaints of inappropriate behaviour towards female staff before leaving his role in 2015.

A report prepared at the time said that Forsyth’s close relationship with Sir Alan may have affected how the complaints were handled.

The Charity Commission announced earlier this month that the organisation would be subject to a statutory review and Sir Alan said it is important that confidence is restored in the international aid sector.

"There is an urgent and pressing need to rebuild trust and confidence," he said.

"If we do not, some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable children will suffer."

Helle Thorning-Schmidt, chief executive of Save the Children International, said: “I would like to thank Alan for the decade of service he has given to Save the Children. We are deeply grateful for the time and dedication he has invested in our important cause.”