Dons Local Action Group (DLAG) is a community-rooted charity supporting people in urgent need across the boroughs of Merton, Wandsworth and Kingston. Founded in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, the organisation delivers food parcels, redistributes furniture, and provides laptops to families experiencing digital poverty. With an annual turnover exceeding £1.4m, a small staff team of three and over 800 active volunteers, DLAG’s impact reaches more than 14,000 people each year. Closely associated with AFC Wimbledon, DLAG combines grassroots energy with strategic delivery, maintaining its founding spirit of determination while working towards a sustainable future as a trusted local charity.
The Context.
Having grown rapidly since its formation, DLAG recognised the need to appoint its first Charity Director to create a sustainable leadership structure. Until this point, senior executive functions had been carried out by experienced trustees and volunteers, supported by a small staff team. While this model had delivered impressive community impact, it placed increasing demands on trustees and limited DLAG’s ability to plan for long-term growth. The new role was essential to consolidate operations, strengthen governance, and drive forward fundraising and communications. Crucially, DLAG sought someone who could combine professional charity leadership experience with sensitivity to its volunteer-led origins. The ideal candidate would bring the gravitas to manage external stakeholders, the skills to diversify income, and the empathy to work collaboratively with trustees and volunteers. This appointment represented an important step in DLAG’s journey from an emergency response movement to a resilient, strategically led community charity.
The Brief.
DLAG tasked us with finding a Charity Director who could lead across governance, operations, communications and fundraising, while safeguarding the organisation’s unique volunteer-driven culture.The role required an individual with extensive experience in high-value fundraising and communications, strong operational leadership skills, and proven ability to work in partnership with boards and volunteers. Our search was wide but with an emphasis on candidates with an understanding of London’s charity ecosystem and a local connection to DLAG’s community. It was important that the appointee could provide both strategic oversight and hands-on support, reflecting the Charity’s agile, delivery-focused culture. The recruitment process also included early stakeholder engagement sessions with trustees, volunteers and partners. These meetings were crucial in assessing candidates’ ability to collaborate, build trust and align with DLAG’s ethos. This emphasis on cultural and stakeholder fit would be central to identifying the right leader.
The Outcome.
The response to DLAG was resoundingly positive, and we received 19 applications from a strong and diverse field. DLAG appointed an outstanding candidate who emerged as the clear choice. This individual brings a proven track record in high-value fundraising, governance, and operational leadership, having previously doubled income streams, secured major partnerships, and led organisations through periods of growth and change. They also offer chief executive-level experience within volunteer-dependent settings, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on delivery. Their deep local connection and exceptional alignment with DLAG’s ethos made them the stand-out candidate, ensuring both immediate impact and long-term sustainability.
“Clare was extremely knowledgeable and patient with us, as a young charity appointing our first Director. She helped us navigate a lot of questions and issues around the appointment, and ensured the role was presented to attract the right candidates. She listened carefully throughout and supported all our decisions along the way. This is how recruitment should be done, we were pleased to recommend Peridot to another charity. Well done.”
Rosie Caley, Chair of the Board of Trustees
“I am so pleased with the support I received from Clare and everyone at Peridot. From the very first conversation, they took the time to understand me, my experience, and what I was looking for. They guided me through every stage of the process with advice, encouragement, and kindness. Thanks to their help, I was able to show my best self and secure my dream role at Dons Local Action Group. I am truly grateful for their support throughout.”
Matthew Lock, Charity Director
Clare Chesworth is a Managing Consultant for our Not for Profit Practice. Clare is passionate about recruiting executive and board leaders for organisations tackling social justice. With an empathetic and driven approach, Clare can find the right leaders to suit your mission. If you’d like to get in touch with her, you can connect with Clare on Linkedin or send her an email.
