London Marathon Foundation

About

Over the past four decades, LMF has awarded more than £117 million to over 1,700 projects, supporting communities across the UK to be more active and healthier. As the parent charity of London Marathon Events (LME), the Foundation’s Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for the strategic direction, governance and long-term sustainability of both organisations. This group structure requires Trustees who can operate at a strategic level, understand risk within a commercially successful events organisation, and maintain strong charity governance.

The Brief

LMF identified the need to refresh and strengthen its Board as it prepared for future succession and the continued evolution of its governance model. Priorities included improving gender balance, increasing diversity of perspective, and strengthening expertise in charity governance, social impact, grant-making and public-sector engagement, while maintaining strong alignment with the Foundation’s mission to inspire activity for all.

The brief focused on appointing Trustees with one or more of the following backgrounds: legal and regulatory expertise, including charity law; understanding of local government and public policy; experience of community or place-based sport and physical activity as a driver of social change; and senior leadership experience within charities, foundations or other mission-driven organisations. Alongside technical capability, the Board placed strong emphasis on values, independent judgement and the ability to provide effective challenge.

Our Approach

Prospectus drew on its established networks across the charity, sport and social impact sectors, alongside targeted search activity, to ensure a diverse and high-quality field. In total, 71 candidates applied for the role. Following careful assessment, 12 candidates were shortlisted for consideration, with six ultimately appointed. The process ran over a three-month period from initial briefing to final appointments.

The Outcome

The six appointments delivered a gender-diverse outcome, with four women and two men appointed, meeting the brief and strengthening both gender balance and diversity of perspective on the Board. Collectively, the new Trustees brought significant strength in charity governance and legal expertise, large-scale grant-making and philanthropy, social impact and early years, community sport and inclusion, and public policy and strategy. The appointments have strengthened the Board’s overall capability and positioned it well to support LMF and London Marathon Events in delivering long-term social impact at scale.

If you would like support in sourcing exceptional talent into a leadership role in your organisation, find out more about our Executive Search Service or Charity Board Recruitment Service.