Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) has appointed Richard Robinson as Investment Director, Lucy Palfreyman as Finance and Resources Director, and Dan Watson as Communications Manager.
PHF, which operates programmes spanning Social Justice, Education & Learning, and the Arts, has grown significantly over the last three years, reflecting a strategic increase in its grant making activity. The foundation plans to expand its grant making to £20 million per year, particularly through the creation of a greater range of special initiatives.
With the appointment of Richard Robinson and Lucy Palfreyman, PHF has become one of the few charitable foundations in the UK to divide its finance and investment functions.
Robert Dufton, PHF’s Director, said: “As we seek to develop new projects and share the results of our work more, we will be building capacity by bringing the investment management, finance and communications functions in-house. I am delighted to welcome Richard, Lucy and Dan to the foundation and look forward to working with them to develop the foundation further.”
Richard Robinson, currently Group Head of Charities & Foundations at Schroder plc, brings to the foundation a long track record in asset management. He said: “With a large and sophisticated portfolio of investments and an ambitious programme of grant making to further its mission, PHF can benefit from greater resource and expertise helping guide it through the markets. I am really looking forward to working with such an innovative and forward-looking team and bringing my knowledge and experience of fund management to help PHF achieve its goals.”
Lucy Palfreyman joins PHF from the Church Urban Fund to take on the finance brief. As Finance and Resources Director she is tasked with overseeing PHF’s finances and improving processes to support more effective grant making, as well as the day-to-day management of human resources and other capacity. She said: “PHF makes a real difference to people’s lives by funding work that tackles disadvantage and helps individuals find ways to achieve their potential. I am looking forward to contributing to the future development of the organisation.”
Dan Watson, Communications Manager, joins the foundation from University College London. He is responsible for developing communications activities across the foundation’s areas of activity, as well as within the organisation. He said: “As PHF grows and steps up its grant making activity, there are going to be a number of communications challenges. The foundation’s support of innovative work in the arts, education and learning and social justice provides a diverse range of audiences which I am looking forward to engaging with.”
About Paul Hamlyn Foundation:
Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) is an independent grant making foundation that supports organisations working in education and learning, social justice and the arts in the UK, as well as a range of non-governmental organisations in India. Since its creation in 1987 by the publisher and philanthropist Paul Hamlyn, the foundation has given more than £105m in philanthropic gifts. Following Paul Hamlyn’s death in 2001, the foundation has continued to pursue his values, with a particular concern for young and disadvantaged people. In 2007/08 the foundation gave over £16m in support of work it sees as innovative and exemplary in helping people to realise their potential and improve their quality of life.
