Terry Waite

Humanitarian, Longest-Held Hostage in the UK, Co-founded Hostage International, International Bestselling Author of ‘Taken on Trust’ & Received the Four Freedoms Award for Freedom of Worship

Terry Waite’s Biography:

Terry Waite is one of Britain’s most respected humanitarian figures, internationally recognised for his courageous work negotiating the release of hostages in some of the world’s most dangerous political conflicts. Rising to prominence through his successful efforts to secure the freedom of British captives in Iran and Libya, Terry became widely admired for his calm diplomacy, compassion, and resilience under immense pressure. His own life changed dramatically when he was captured in Beirut while acting as an envoy for the Church of England, leading to almost five years in captivity, much of it spent in solitary confinement. Following his release, Terry transformed his experiences into a platform for advocacy, charity leadership, and public speaking, becoming a sought-after keynote speaker on resilience, leadership, conflict resolution, mental endurance, and humanitarian responsibility.

Terry’s career began within the Anglican Church, where he developed a strong international outlook and commitment to community development. In 1969, he served as Provincial Training Adviser to the first African Anglican Archbishop of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, helping to support education and leadership initiatives during a period of major political change in East Africa. His work continued to gain recognition and, in 1980, he was appointed Assistant for Anglican Communion Affairs to the Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie. During the following years, Terry undertook increasingly high-profile diplomatic missions, successfully negotiating the release of hostages in Iran and Libya, achievements that led to him receiving an MBE and later a CBE for services to the nation. His experiences gave him an exceptional understanding of international affairs, negotiation under pressure, and the importance of trust and communication.

Throughout his career, Terry has remained a prominent public voice on humanitarian issues and personal resilience. His autobiography, ‘Taken on Trust’, became an international bestseller and offered an extraordinary insight into survival, endurance, and the psychological realities of captivity. He has also appeared extensively across television, radio, documentaries, and live events, discussing topics ranging from mental strength to global conflict and human rights. In recognition of his lifelong contribution to charity and humanitarian work, he was appointed KCMG in the King’s Birthday Honours and later awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the University of London. He was also elected an Honorary Fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge.

Why Hire Terry Waite?

Alongside his speaking engagements, Terry has devoted decades to charitable and social causes. He became President of Emmaus UK following his release from Lebanon, helping to lead national campaigns supporting homeless communities, and later co-founded Hostage UK, now Hostage International, providing specialist support to hostage families worldwide. He has also served as patron of the Warrington Male Voice Choir, supporting rehabilitation initiatives across British and Irish prisons. In addition to publishing his novel ‘The Voyage of the Golden Handshake’, Terry continues to inspire audiences globally with speeches that combine extraordinary personal experience, emotional intelligence, humour, and profound lessons on perseverance, leadership, and hope in adversity, making him an exceptional keynote speaker for corporate, public sector, and charitable events.

Terry Waite’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Terry Waite’s remarkable career:

• 2025 – Awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the University of London
• 2023 – Appointed Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in the King’s Birthday Honours for his extensive services to charity
• 2022 – Elected as an Honorary Fellow at Trinity Hall, Cambridge
• 2004 – Co-founded Hostage UK (now known as Hostage International) to provide dedicated care and assistance to the families of hostages
• 1993 – Authored and released his internationally bestselling autobiography ‘Taken on Trust’ detailing his time in captivity
• 1992 – Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to the nation
• 1992 – Honoured with the international Four Freedoms Award for the Freedom of Worship
• 1991 – Appointed President of Emmaus UK shortly after his release from Lebanon to spearhead national campaigns supporting the homeless community
• 1991 – Formally released from captivity in Beirut after enduring 1,763 days held as a hostage, with four years spent in total solitary confinement
• 1987 – Captured and taken hostage by militant groups in Beirut while acting as an envoy for the Church of England to negotiate the release of Western captives