A rare opportunity to help shape how wealth can be used to create lasting social change.

For more than a century, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has been one of the UK's most influential forces in the fight against poverty, shaping public debate, funding the evidence that drives change, and standing as a fiercely independent voice for a more just society. Today, we are working to support and speed up the transition to a more equitable and just future, free from poverty, where people and planet can flourish.

We are now seeking a Trustee and Chair of our Investment Committee to join the JRF Group Board at a pivotal moment. Alongside helping to provide strategic leadership and good governance across the organisation, you will play a key role in stewarding the Foundation's £400 million endowment, the asset that makes our work possible.

Our Trustees have committed to putting all of our wealth in service of our mission over time, balancing the need to generate sustainable returns with an ambition to align our capital more closely with the social and economic change we seek to achieve. With a strategic asset allocation review underway and important decisions ahead about the future of our investment strategy, the role presents a rare opportunity to help shape one of the UK's most ambitious approaches to mission-aligned investing.

The successful candidate will bring investment expertise, strategic judgement and the credibility to guide discussions around asset allocation, risk and long-term stewardship. Just as importantly, they will share our conviction that wealth can be used differently to support lasting social change. An inclusive and collaborative leader, they will be able to work across diverse perspectives, translate complexity into clear decisions, and help ensure that our resources remain aligned with our purpose.

We welcome applications from experienced Trustees and first-time Trustees alike. We particularly encourage applications from people from minoritised backgrounds and from across all nations and regions of the UK. 

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference XAGAAB. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on 3 September 2026. 

Further information can be found here