Paul Hamlyn Foundation would like to extend our congratulations to all those recognised for their contribution to society in the 2021 New Year’s Honours list.
In particular, we would like to offer our best wishes to our Chief Executive, Moira Sinclair, who has been awarded an OBE for services to charity and the arts. Moira joined PHF in 2015 and has overseen tremendous growth, doubling our grant making budgets to £46.8m in 2019/2020 and extending our impact with values-driven leadership, strategic intent and strong partnership working. As a result, the Foundation is able to support over 600 charities, community interest companies and individuals a year, all working hard to create a just society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives.
In 2020, a year like no other, Paul Hamlyn Foundation was able to move swiftly to respond to the Covid19 crisis, flexing our grant making and creating an additional £20m Emergency Fund to support the effort of those working at the frontline. Moira places the credit for this with PHF’s outstanding team of staff and trustees:
“If we are to believe that in the midst of every crisis lies opportunity, they have embraced this possibility, bringing creativity and determination to bear in equal measure to enable us to work to our best.”
With a career dedicated to public service and a lifelong love of the arts, this award also recognises Moira’s voluntary work as Chair of East London Dance and Chair of Clore Leadership, as well as her advisory roles on the London Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board, at the British Library and at the Arts & Culture Impact Fund, and her track record as a mentor, particularly for women moving into leadership roles.
“In a year when so much has been asked of so many, I am honoured to receive this OBE. I know how lucky I am to do a job I love, and to work with and for a sector that plays such a vital role in our society. This will only spur me on to do more, to continue to advocate for the resources and support that are needed to address inequalities and create social change.”
The vital role of charities to achieve change has been a theme in this year’s honours. We would like to acknowledge the contribution made by our many colleagues and partners in this field and will continue to ensure that we are playing our part in pioneering philanthropy in the year ahead, particularly as the voluntary sector faces its toughest times responding to the ongoing impact of the Covid pandemic.
Moira Sinclair reflects on our refreshed strategy, which reflects the innovations we have made in the past five years, and provides greater clarity about the values that underpin our work.
What we’ve learned so far about investing in youth-led change, and what funders all need to do better.
