News: Derek Bardowell assumes role as Chair

The Tudor Trust is pleased to announce that Derek Bardowell has officially assumed his role as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Bardowell brings with him two decades of experience as a respected leader in the charity, philanthropy, racial and social justice sectors, marking an exciting new chapter for the Trust as it shifts towards building community power in the UK.

Appointed to the Board in February 2024, Bardowell has served as the Chair Designate since then. Now formally leading a new Board, he brings extensive expertise and a profound dedication to community-led philanthropy. Bardowell has previously held trustee roles with organisations including Sir Lewis Hamilton’s charity Mission 44 and the Thirty Percy Foundation. From 2009 to 2019, he managed portfolios distributing over £150 million in grants to support critical causes across 34 countries.

Tudor Trust CEO Raji Hunjan said: “Derek is one of the most respected leaders in the racial and social justice sector. His nearly two decades of work have given him strong insights and he has all the credentials to do a fantastic job in supporting the organisation as we work towards our new strategy.”

Bardowell said: “I’m delighted to take on this role and am deeply honoured by the faith shown in my leadership by the previous Board. I look forward to guiding the vision, alongside the Board and staff, and championing racial and social justice alongside other people and organisations already doing great work in this area.”

Bardowell succeeds Matt Dunwell, Tudor’s long standing Chair. In recent years, the Tudor family Board has made a commitment to a strategic approach centred on racial and social justice and has evolved to be governed by a more diverse group of trustees with a range of relevant experience.

It paused taking on new grant applications as it underwent a process of internal transformation. In the financial year 2022/2023 Tudor committed more than £20m in grants and remained actively engaged with its current grant partners.

Commenting on the transition, Dunwell said: “Derek’s track record speaks for itself, and I have no doubt he will excel in leading the Board as it embraces this exciting new phase.”

Hunjan also expressed her gratitude to Dunwell and the family trustees. She said: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Matt and our family trustees for their commitment over many years. We’re excited to now return to the work that Tudor does best - transforming lives through positive grant-making. This process is set to begin imminently.”

Tudor expects to start awarding grants again in the new year once its strategic review is complete.