National Lottery Community Fund names ex-council chief as England chair

A former city council chief executive has been appointed to oversee the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF)’s work in England.

The funding body has announced that John Mothersole will be chair of its England Committee, advising on how National Lottery funding is used across the country.

He was formerly chief executive of Sheffield City Council before standing down in December 2019 after a decade in the role.

“The National Lottery Community Fund is such a force for good in this country, so the opportunity to work with the team shaping its future impact as well as helping to oversee its current work was irresistible,” said Mothersole.

“I come to this role with a strong sense of both the responsibility and of what I can give in terms of my own long experience working with communities and helping to make the right things happen. My emphasis will always be on impact and sustainability and the Fund is especially well placed in delivering that.”

Mothersole replaces Nat Stone, co-founder of venture philanthropy trust fund Impetus Trust, as England Committee chair.

Meanwhile, the NLCF has announced that Prince’s Trust director of Scotland Kate Sill has been appointed to lead its Scotland committee, overseeing grant making in the country.

“I look forward to supporting people tackle the issues that matter most to them to improve lives and build stronger communities that put people in the lead,” said Sill.

NLCF chief executive Dawn Austwick added: “With over a decade of experience leading Sheffield Council, and even longer spent in local authorities across the UK, John has seen first-hand that when people are in the lead, communities thrive.

“With Kate’s background and expertise in employment and skills, she knows that people understand, better than anyone, what’s needed in their communities.

“As chairs of our England and Scotland committees, their vision will help us to fulfil our fundamental purpose of awarding National Lottery money to help create stronger, more connected communities across the UK.”

Last month the NLCF was handed a Freedom of Information Act request from the Directory of Social Change around fund amid concerns around delays and a lack of transparency in delivering support funding for charities affected by Covid-19.