Cranfield Trust

Our new Chief Executive

We are delighted to announce that Dan Francis has joined Cranfield Trust as our new Chief Executive.

Dan brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the voluntary sector, having previously led the training and consultancy practice at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).

Speaking of his appointment, Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chair of Cranfield Trust's Board of Trustees, said,

“We are thrilled that Dan has become our next Chief Executive. His leadership qualities and expertise in supporting frontline charities will be invaluable in leading the brilliant Cranfield Trust team to protect and grow the impact they make every single day.”

Hear from Dan about becoming Chief Executive

Graphic saying 'What's Hot in September"

'Hot' resources, guides, and on-demand webinars

During September we hosted our Succession Planning webinar, which had a record number of registrations of all the webinars we have ever held!

The webinar outlined why it is important to start thinking about succession planning and some straightforward steps you can take in your own organisation to get started.

Watch the Succession Planning Webinar today

A new FREE webinar coming in October

As charities continue to face significant challenges with rising energy costs, this webinar delivered by Utility Aid, a leading energy adviser in the not-for-profit sector, will help to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance energy efficiency and ensure greater financial sustainability.

Energy savings towards net zero

Wednesday 8 October, 12-1pm

This webinar will provide practical guidance on energy-saving measures, understanding and optimising energy contracts, and selecting the most cost-effective tariffs. Participants will also gain insights into effective negotiation techniques with suppliers and strategies for long-term energy management.

Find out more and book your place

Our impact

Celebrating our 35th anniversary in 2023-24, the Trust provided more support than ever before. We started 527 new consultancy projects and mentoring assignments in the year, and had an extraordinary 919 projects active in the year in total. In challenging times, frontline welfare charities have needed support, and our volunteers and team have responded to their needs.

A volunteer does play therapy with a disabled boy

Our year in numbers

Cranfield Trust is the UK’s leading provider of pro bono management support, mentoring and development to small charities. Find out more>

National impact, local presence

It has been a record-breaking year for the Trust, with delivery of services far exceeding expected activity levels. Learn more>

Supporting across sectors

We provide our range of pro bono services to welfare charities and other non-profit organisations across the sector. Learn more>

It is our pleasure to present our Impact Report for Cranfield Trust’s 35th anniversary year, and to share the stories of some of the great activities we have worked on, and great charities we have worked with, during the year.

Find out more and see the full impact report

Case study spotlight

Financial management & sustainability: Hackney Playbus

Discover how Hackney Playbus, a small East London charity, transformed its financial management with Cranfield Trust's support.

Facing challenges with disconnected financial systems and reporting inefficiencies, Hackney Playbus sought assistance to streamline their processes. We paired them with a volunteer consultant who helped to:

Organise and simplify their accounting systems
Automate reporting and unify budgeting processes
Introduce cash flow forecasting and planning

As a result, the charity now operates with more efficient financial systems, including an annual budget aligned with the financial year and real-time access to financial data for trustees. Their reserves have grown to three months’ worth of income, providing greater financial stability.

Find out more about how we helped.