Our committees

Impetus' committee members are groups of diligent and dedicated individuals, who ensure in-depth review and oversight of critical parts of our activities.

Impetus is a charitable company registered with the Charities Commission and the governing body of the charity is the Board of Trustees. There are five committees reporting to the Impetus Board: Investment, Governance and Nominations , Resources and Audit, Public Affairs, and Philanthropy and Partnerships. The committees ensure in-depth review and oversight of our activities. They ensure that our specific areas of focus are led, where possible, by Trustees.

Governance and management

Investment Committee

The Committee is responsible for ensuring that Impetus manages well a balanced portfolio that helps us deliver our mission. The committee scrutinises individual investment proposals and recommends for Board ratification the charities that should enter, progress through and exit the portfolio. The committee also reviews how each charity is progressing through our Outcomes Framework in the semi-annual Charity Review as well as their progress against funding milestones.

Committee Members: Shani Zindel (Chair), Filippo Cardini, Sat Singh, Marc Henckel, Chris Murray, Gemma Wright

    Governance and Nominations Committee

    The Committee has a strategic role in defining the role of the Board as well as how the Board interacts with its committees. It also directs the Trustee recruitment process and Trustee responsibilities. The committee is responsible for conducting the Chair evaluation as well as advising on Trustee and Board development.

    Committee Members: Hanneke Smits (Chair), Sat Singh, Lisa Stone, Filippo Cardini

    Resources and Audit Committee

    The Committee is responsible for reviewing and monitoring all financial and operational aspects of Impetus and reports to the Board on such matters, including financial risk management and people. Due to the size and nature of the organisation, the committee considers that an internal audit function is not required. The Committee also helps ensure that we maintain and develop relationships with our donors, co-investors and supporters in order for Impetus and its charities to receive the funding, pro bono and other relevant support to achieve our overall mission and strategy.

    Committee Members: Bill Benjamin (Chair), David Bholat, Mike Garland, Andy Thoms

    Public Affairs Committee

    The Committee supports Impetus in defining and achieving our public affairs goals. The Committee reviews our public affairs strategy to ensure it is aligned with our organisational mission, and achievable in terms of the external landscape. Committee members also review research and publications in draft to help ensure our public work is high-quality, and relevant to those we are seeking to reach and influence. Annually, the committee reviews progress against the public affairs KPIs, to assess performance and impact.

    Committee Members: Natasha Porter (Chair), Sam Freedman, Jonathon Simons, Jason Arthur

    Philanthropy and Partnerships Committee

    The Committee’s over-arching purpose is to ensure that Impetus is able to acquire and develop relationships with donors, co-investors and fund donors in order for Impetus and its charities to receive the funding, pro bono resource and other relevant support to achieve its overall mission and strategy.

    Committee Members: Charlie Edwards (Chair), Rob Pulford, Alexander Walsh

    Digital Advisory Group

    The Digital Advisory Group’s dual purpose is to keep Impetus abreast of best practice, relevant developments, and opportunities and risks related to the use of digital in our key functions – for example, grant-making, fundraising, and communications. Committee members also provide advice and insight on the implementation of digital initiatives, including both technical and related change-management and cultural aspects.

    Committee Members: Andy Thoms (Chair), Alex Lloyd Hunter, Alexandra Willis, Berry Cochrane, Fernanda Munhoz, Russell Cleave

      Our Board of Trustees