Pro Bono Search | LGBT Foundation

In 2025, LGBT Foundation marked its 50th anniversary as one of the UK’s most impactful and recognisable LGBTQ+ charities. From its base in Manchester, the organisation delivers direct services to over 45,000 people annually and reaches hundreds of thousands more through information, campaigns and partnerships. With a legacy of activism and care, the Foundation is also shaping national and international conversations on LGBTQ+ health, wellbeing and equity.

To support its future-facing strategy, the Foundation engaged Philanthrope to lead a pro bono trustee search. The aim was to appoint new board members and advisors with the professional expertise, governance capability and community alignment required to steward the charity into its next chapter. Inclusive practice and representation remained central to every decision.

The mandate

The Foundation sought to strengthen its Board with individuals who bring technical depth in finance, legal oversight, organisational culture and inclusive leadership. It also aimed to broaden representation across LGBTQ+ communities. A particular emphasis was placed on engaging people of colour, younger leaders, and trans and non-binary individuals.

This was not a compliance exercise. It was a strategic effort to align board composition with lived realities, emerging risks and the ambition to model inclusive governance across the sector.

Discovery

We worked with the executive team and trustees to understand the strategic, cultural and operational context. This included reviewing the charity’s values framework, recent board audits and long-term financial priorities.

Together we refined the brief, clarified support and access requirements, and agreed a structured and inclusive process. Our discovery phase also explored how the Foundation’s community voice and lived experience could be reflected and protected in board decision making.

Search

Philanthrope conducted a national search across professional, nonprofit and mission-aligned networks. We reached out to individuals with expertise in fundraising, finance, employment law and inclusive HR. We also activated LGBTQ+ affinity groups across legal, professional services and campaigning sectors.

The response was exceptional. Dozens of candidates came forward with a strong blend of governance experience, organisational insight and personal connection to the Foundation’s mission.

Evaluation

All candidates were evaluated against a clear framework that included strategic thinking, governance behaviour, equity fluency and cultural alignment. We worked in partnership with the Board and leadership team to support longlisting, interviewing and selection. Accessibility, clarity and care were embedded throughout.

We also supported post-interview communications, feedback and onboarding design, including mentoring where requested by new trustees.

Appointment

LGBT Foundation appointed new trustees and advisors with deep sector experience, strong governance credentials and a shared commitment to inclusion. The appointments enhanced the Board’s capacity in finance, legal oversight and organisational leadership. They also reaffirmed the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to representation, accountability and public trust.

Model in practice

This search demonstrates Philanthrope’s approach to inclusive governance: rigorous, behaviourally anchored and values led. It reflects our belief that strong boards are those that combine expertise with legitimacy, and professional rigour with community voice.

We are proud to have supported LGBT Foundation in building a board that reflects the future it works to create.