Foodrise is a charity working to transform the food system for climate, nature and justice. Known previously as Feedback, the organisation has spent more than a decade challenging the root causes of injustice across food and farming, from exposing the environmental impact of industrial food systems to championing fairer, community-led alternatives.
Grounded in values of audacity, solidarity and collaboration, Foodrise combines campaigning, research, legal action and grassroots partnerships to drive systemic change. Its work speaks to some of the defining challenges of our time: food insecurity, climate breakdown, inequality and corporate accountability.
At a pivotal moment in the organisation’s journey, following a major rebrand and alongside the development of a new strategic direction, Foodrise sought to strengthen its Board with Trustees who could bring diverse perspectives, lived experience and values-led leadership to help shape the next chapter of its impact.
Context.
With several longstanding Trustees stepping down, Foodrise had the opportunity to create space to rethink the Board’s composition and the leadership needed for the organisation’s next chapter.
Alongside this governance transition, Foodrise was undertaking an ambitious strategy development process in partnership with its sister organisation in the EU. The organisation had also recently completed a rebrand, marking a moment of consolidation, renewed clarity and growing confidence in its identity and direction.
At the heart of the conversation was a strong desire to build a Board that better reflected the diversity of the communities and movements Foodrise works alongside, particularly in terms of racial diversity, disability representation, and socio-economic backgrounds.
The appointments, therefore, carried real significance. Foodrise needed Trustees who could bring strategic expertise in areas including finance, HR and safeguarding, while also contributing new perspectives, lived experience and a deep commitment to anti-oppression, equity and social justice.
Brief.
Working closely with the Chair and wider team, we designed a search process rooted in partnership, inclusion and long-term organisational impact. It was about finding values-led people who could contribute thoughtfully to the culture, governance and future direction of the organisation.
The search focused particularly on candidates with expertise in finance, strategic HR and safeguarding/community practice. Foodrise was looking for Trustees who could support a small but ambitious organisation navigating growth, operational complexity and evolving governance needs, while remaining closely connected to the realities of community-based work.
Outcome.
After a targeted search, Foodrise received 14 applications for the Trustee positions, reflecting a strong blend of senior professional experience and leadership experience, lived experience and a shared commitment to the organisation’s mission.
The campaign resulted in the successful appointment of three new Trustees, each bringing complementary expertise and a clear alignment with Foodrise’s values and strategic direction, and contributing to the diversity of thought on the Board.
One appointee brought extensive senior people and transformation experience across complex organisations, with expertise spanning strategic HR, organisational change and culture transformation. They have partnered with executive teams to align people strategy with organisational priorities, bringing a strong track record of building inclusive workplace cultures and supporting organisations through change with empathy and strategic insight.
Another Trustee joined the Board as an accomplished international finance and governance leader with nearly three decades of senior experience across corporate and social-impact environments and non-executive roles. They bring substantial expertise in strategic financial management, programme finance, risk, audit, governance and organisational transformation, with experience spanning the UK, West Africa and the Middle East, alongside a clear commitment to mentoring, equity and values-led leadership.
The third appointment strengthened the Board’s connection to community-centred leadership and inclusive practice. Bringing deep experience as an environmental lawyer and policy adviser, they offer a strong understanding of social impact, climate justice and systems change, underpinned by nearly a decade leading high-profile litigation on clean air, climate accountability and access to justice. Their career spans private practice, government and the charitable sector, alongside trustee experience, bringing particular strengths in governance, risk management and using legal expertise to deliver lasting systemic change.
Ruth Chambers, Chair of Trustees, commented:
“Peridot were responsive, resourceful and reliable throughout the recruitment process for new Trustees. They sourced high quality candidates that met our requirements, delivering a seamless and efficient process with a client-centred approach at all times.”
One of the appointed trustees shared:
“I felt fully prepared for the interview, which is why I believe I was successful. I hadn’t initially thought I was experienced enough for this type of role, but with Todd’s encouragement and support, I found the confidence to go for it, and I’m now genuinely excited about this new opportunity.”
