Head of Trusts

The Swire Trusts manage the Swire Group’s philanthropy in the UK, delivering charitable activity through five grant-making trusts that collectively award over £16 million annually. The Swire Charitable Trust focuses on improving life chances, particularly for children and young people, restoring heritage buildings and skills, improving the UK’s biodiversity and connecting people with nature. The Swire family trusts support a more varied range of charities by invitation, reflecting the interests of the trustees. The Swire Trusts take a flexible, trust-based approach to grant making, prioritising support for charities working in disadvantaged areas, often offering unrestricted funding, and valuing organisations with clear outcomes, creating tangible, lasting impact.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join The Swire Trusts as Head of Trusts, leading all aspects of grant-making to deliver evidence-based, values-led philanthropy. The Head of Trusts manages the dedicated team day-to-day, ensuring the smooth management of operations, robust governance, and a responsive approach to funding. The role involves guiding the Trusts’ programmes, upholding best practice, and maintaining collaborative relationships with trustees, colleagues and charities.

The successful candidate will be an experienced leader with a strong background in the charity or philanthropy sector. You will be adept at working with trustees to set strategy, managing programmes and leading teams through change. Outstanding communication and sound judgement are essential, alongside the ability to encourage collaboration and adapt to evolving challenges. Candidates should be comfortable working both at a strategic and operational level, and able to navigate stakeholder environments with integrity and clarity.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to The Swire Trusts on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit using reference HARAFB. Alternatively email . Applications should be received by noon on Friday 12th December 2025.