The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF), the umbrella body for institutional philanthropy in the UK, is to strengthen its policy and influencing work. Existing staff members, Keiran Goddard and Emma Hutchins have taken on new roles, respectively, of director of external affairs and senior policy and communications officer. ACF is also recruiting for a new head of policy.

Keiran Goddard and Emma Hutchins.

Chief Executive, Carol Mack points out that, in making these changes, ‘ACF is being responsive to members’ stated desire for us to further develop our policy voice’.

This reflects a view, first reported last year by Alliance, that the foundation sector in Britain is gearing up to play a more proactive role in addressing societal challenges in the Brexit era.

A recent survey of ACF members suggested a desire for the umbrella body to increase the confidence and depth of its public, governmental and legislative interventions.

The press release announcing the changes also notes the launch of ACF’s Stronger Foundations initiative, ‘to identify and develop practice in areas such as grant-making process, learning and impact, diversity, and transparency.’