UnLtd, which hands out funding to social entrepreneurs, has announced that its chief executive of the last 11 years Mark Norbury is to step down.

He is due to leave next summer from the funder, which has a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in its grantmaking. More than seven in ten of its grants are handed to Black, Asian, minority ethnic and/or disabled founders.

Also during the last decade it has expanded its support for entrepreneurs working for social good by offering social investment options.

It also links up with the National Lottery Community Fund, on grants for social entrepreneurs tackling climate action in their communities.

The funder’s chair Rachel Barton said: “Mark has made an enormous contribution to UnLtd over the past 11 years. His energy, ambition and unwavering belief in the potential of social entrepreneurs have shaped both UnLtd and its contribution to the wider sector.

“He will leave an organisation with a clear strategy, strong partnerships and huge ambition for what comes next.

Among organisations backed by the funder is Black Foster Carers Alliance (BFCA). Its chief executive Rachel Cole said that Norbury "has been an extraordinary champion of social entrepreneurs. He saw what BFCA could become before we could see it ourselves and backed us with both belief and practical support".

The funder’s recruitment for a replacement is now underway to allow time for a handover to take place ahead of Norbury’s departure.

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