IoF names Amanda Bringans as chair-elect

20 Apr 2017 News

Amanda Bringans, chair of the Institute of Fundraising

The Institute of Fundraising has named Amanda Bringans as its new chair-elect and has said she will take over from incumbent chair Richard Taylor at the organisation’s next AGM in July.

In an announcement made this morning, the IoF said that its board of trustees had unanimously selected Amanda Bringans, director of fundraising at the British Heart Foundation, as chair elect, having begun the process of recruiting a new chair in January of this year.

Bringans will take up the role from Taylor, who will be stepping down from the IoF board at the fundraising membership body’s Annual General Meeting in July. Taylor ends his tenure at the IoF having served a three-year term as a trustee and a further three-year term as chair.

The process of recruiting a new chair was begun by the IoF in January when it advertised the position and welcomed applications from all registered members. Shortlisted candidates were then interviewed by IoF trustees.

A spokeswoman for the IoF declined to confirm how many members had applied for the role.

Bringans currently at British Heart Foundation

Bringans is currently the director of fundraising at the British Heart Foundation, a role she has held since she joined the organisation in 2015. Prior to this she held interim director of fundraising roles with both Leonard Cheshire Disability and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

She was also previously the director of global fundraising and communications at VSO, and worked for Macmillan Cancer Support for 16 years.

Speaking about her appointment, Bringans said: “The past few years have been difficult for the fundraising community, but with each other’s support we were able to come through better and stronger.

“That is what I think is at the heart of the IoF – our members’ passion and willingness to share insights and knowledge as we push each other to be the best we can be. Fundraising is a unique profession in that respect, and I’m looking forward to meeting with fundraisers across the UK to hear their stories and champion their achievements as chair.

“Part of my job will be to ensure that the institute continues to demand the highest standards from all of us, and to maintain the trust and confidence of the public in the way we raise funds for the good causes they care about. It is our relationships with our supporters that is precious to us as fundraisers and the future of fundraising will be strengthened by focusing on these relationships, ensuring they remain front of mind in all that we do.”

Bringans also praised the work of her predecessor in the role, saying that Taylor had “led the IoF superbly through tumultuous times to a position of strength”.

‘Huge privilege for me to be chair,’ says Taylor

In a statement, departing chair Taylor welcomed Bringans’ appointment and said that being chair of the IoF had been a “huge privilege”.

“I know Amanda will relish the opportunity to lead us in delivering our ambitions, and those of our members and fundraisers, so that charities can raise even more money to make the world a better place,” he said. “Amanda will be an excellent chair and someone that our members will be able to look to for leadership and inspiration.

“It has been a huge privilege for me to be chair of the Institute of Fundraising and I wish Amanda all the best in the role. I know that she will have the full support of an amazing community of fundraisers behind her.”

 

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