Pro Bono Search | Ways into Work

Ways into Work is a charity that supports people with disabilities, neurodivergence and disadvantage to find and keep paid work. It does this by offering one-to-one coaching, on-the-job training, and close collaboration with employers to create inclusive workplaces. Through ongoing support, it helps people stay in work for the long term. This approach tackles the disability employment gap and transforms lives, one job at a time.

It became a registered charity in 2024 after operating for nearly a decade as a community interest company and employee-owned business. With its new legal status came new strategic demands — including a need to strengthen governance, diversify funding and expand its influence across public, private and social sectors.

In 2025, Philanthrope was engaged to lead a pro bono search for a fundraising trustee, alongside a Head of Fundraising recruitment process, supporting the Board to build its long-term financial sustainability without compromising its values. The aim was to secure additional expertise in corporate partnerships and philanthropy, while ensuring new trustees reflected the charity’s person-centred, inclusive ethos.

The mandate

Ways into Work required a non-executive trustee with senior fundraising or income generation experience. This individual would support the Board in identifying new sources of income, shaping strategic opportunities and stewarding external relationships — with a clear understanding of how to govern in line with inclusive principles and legal duties.

Discovery

We began by consulting with the CEO, Board and key advisors to understand the organisation’s stage of growth, governance ambitions and cultural context. The discovery process also surfaced critical insights about the organisation’s approach to risk, equity and lived experience, which shaped how the role was framed and how candidates would be evaluated.

We co-developed a public brief and proposed a process aligned to Charity Commission standards, inclusive recruitment practice and the Board’s operating cadence. We also aligned expectations around onboarding, support and Board development needs.

Search

Philanthrope conducted targeted outreach across fundraising, corporate social responsibility and philanthropy networks — with specific emphasis on disability inclusion, lived experience and values alignment. We engaged both established and emerging leaders, focusing on individuals who had operated in complex stakeholder environments and who could contribute constructively to a growing Board.

All candidates were approached directly, and the role was positioned with care to ensure transparency about governance responsibilities, time commitments and organisational dynamics.

Evaluation

We evaluated candidates against a defined framework covering fundraising expertise, governance judgement, inclusive behaviour and strategic thinking. We also considered board complementarity, personal motivation and potential to contribute across multiple areas of discussion.

A shortlist was shared with the Board, along with comparative insights and recommendations for interview structure. We supported the trustees through the assessment process, ensuring that lived experience and boardroom behaviours were considered alongside professional credentials.

Appointment

Ways into Work appointed a fundraising trustee with strong commercial and philanthropic networks, a clear understanding of board dynamics and a lived connection to the charity’s mission. Their appointment enhances both the financial foresight and strategic capacity of the Board — while reaffirming its commitment to inclusive governance and long-term sustainability.

Model in practice

This pro bono search reflects Philanthrope’s commitment to supporting organisations that advance social inclusion, particularly those founded on equity, co-production and user voice. It demonstrates how specialist expertise and values alignment can be combined to strengthen governance at key inflection points.