Press release: Cranfield Trust welcomes British Heart Foundation Chief Exec as new Chair

Cranfield Trust, the UK’s leading provider of pro bono business support to charities, has announced the appointment of British Heart Foundation Chief Executive , Dr Charmaine Griffiths, as its new Chair of trustees. 

Charmaine is a long-time supporter of Cranfield Trust’s work having been a volunteer before joining the board of trustees in June 2019. She is an experienced leader having held executive and non-executive roles at a range of leading UK and international organisations including The Institute of Cancer Research, Human Tissue Authority and the British Heart Foundation. 

Charmaine’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Cranfield Trust, as it embarks on a new five-year strategy.
In welcoming Charmaine as Chair, Cranfield Trust CEO, Amanda Tincknell CBE said:

 “I am delighted at Charmaine’s appointment and am excited to have the opportunity to work with her as Chair. Her extensive knowledge and understanding of the sector and of Cranfield Trust’s work will be extremely valuable as we start work on our new strategy. The pandemic has hit the sector hard and our services are in increasing demand from charity leaders in need of trusted, independent business advice - without the expense.

Commenting on the announcement, Charmaine said:

“Since first meeting the Cranfield Trust team ten years ago I have been inspired by their work to support charities in communities across the UK. For over 30 years the Cranfield Trust team has worked with volunteers from business backgrounds to offer pro-bono advice to charities. And today as the sector faces the full force of the pandemic, the Trust’s work has simply never been more needed."

“I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair and look forward to working with the talented team, fantastic volunteers and fellow Trustees to build on the vital support Cranfield Trust offers to so many brilliant causes.”

Charmaine Griffiths succeeds Andrew Barstow, who stepped down from the board in December 2020, after serving as Chair for three years.