10 Years with the Hymans Robertson Foundation – my farewell

As I plan for my retirement, I’ve been reflecting on my role with the Foundation. As a founding Trustee when the Charity was established in August 2019, I succeeded Clive Fortes as Chair at the end of December 2022, as the world emerged from the Covid pandemic and grappled with the cost-of-living crisis.

Like many UK grantmakers, the Foundation was focussed on how we could best support those community-based organisations on the frontline, and, in our case, those helping young people move towards positive destinations.  

As Chair, I have been supported by an active and engaged Board and fully backed by our funder, Hymans Robertson LLP. We had our 10-year strategy to guide us, but we refreshed our approach, adapted our funding and listened closely to our charity network to understand where and how we could make the greatest difference.  I’ve seen the impact of our funding through the stories shared by young people accessing the Foundation’s bursaries, the smaller charities supported by our Community Fund, and the long-term funding commitment we make to our charity partners. Overall, I’m proud of what we’ve collectively achieved: 

• Distributing £1.75m (subject to final accounts) over the last 10 years to charities primarily in London, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow  
• Supporting over 11,000 young people, helping them secure a better future 
• Building strong links between our charity networks and the firm’s staff, with nearly 14,400 volunteer hours logged over the last 10 years 

Read more in our Annual Report

I’m especially proud of our partnerships with other like-minded funders.  Our response to the pandemic was largely channelled through the introduction of our Bursary. Now in its 6th year, city-based bursaries are now established in both Birmingham and Glasgow.  We’ve partnered with other grantmakers in these cities to ensure that young people facing financial hardship, or needing funding for the next stage of their lives, can access grants.  In April, we’ll also see the launch of a co-funded bursary in Edinburgh. A huge thank you to the grantmakers who co-fund with the Foundation; you can read more here.

We are a small but mighty Foundation. My key take away from this experience is the power of partnerships. Where there is a shared purpose and a resilience to develop and deliver, we - and our partners - have made a real and lasting impact on young people’s lives and their communities. I  have been truly humbled by the experience and that will stay with me and shape my world view for years to come. I know that Paul Waters, as the new Chair, will continue to drive the Foundation forward, evolving our strategy and staying closely connected to our charity network to ensure we always act where we are most needed. 

Finally, I want to give well-deserved recognition to our Executive Team, who bring full time commitment to their part time roles. You have made my time as Chair a true highlight of my long career. Keep doing the good you do!