Comic Relief is a major charity based in the United Kingdom, with a vision of "A Just World Free from Poverty". For over 35 years, it has entertained and inspired people to give generously to support people living incredibly tough lives - we've laughed, we've cried, and enjoyed many incredible moments along the way.

Billy Monger walked, cycled and kayaked 140 miles, Romesh Ranganathan and Katherine Ryan entertained Wembley arena and One Direction, Sam Smith and the Spice Girls released singles (separately!). Comic Relief has helped over 105 million people, supporting approaches to social change which offer something different, think outside the box or offer new thinking to achieve profound impact. With its support, people change their lives. You can read their stories here.

In 2022, Red Nose Day raised £42,790,149, which enabled the charity to award £25.2m across 145 grants, 54% of which were awarded in the UK with the rest awarded internationally. This year, Comic Relief has launched a new strategy which focuses on three key areas:

1. Alleviating poverty’s consequences and grip on people’s daily lives: Comic Relief funds programmes which help people and communities overcome the many challenges they face.
2. Tackling the injustices that keep people in poverty: Comic Relief supports organisations and movements which strive for fairness and equity.
3. Standing with those in poverty who are most harmed by climate change: Comic Relief works in places and with people who are already vulnerable and now dealing with the effects of climate change.

Comic Relief uses the power of humour and popular culture to engage people to help others and raise money to support organisations in the UK and around the world. Its mission combines Comic and Relief; it believes that helping others, whilst challenging, can be fun, even in the face of grave issues around us. This belief stems from seeing the power of people coming together to create change, through big campaigns like Red Nose Day and Sport Relief as well as small everyday acts. Comic Relief believes that those closest to the issues have the best solutions, so it partners with amazing projects and organisations as well as provide funding to those organisations tackling poverty and injustice to make change happen.

Key responsibilities of Committee Members include:

• Regularly attending Committee meetings
• Supporting the Committee by offering constructive challenge and expertise
• Keeping informed of issues facing Comic Relief, and how it relates to Committee’s work
• Helping the Committee to review and monitor its own effectiveness
• Participating in training events related to the work of the Committee.
• Working as a ‘critical friend’ with respect to all matters within the remit of the Committee
• Providing oversight on a range of issues

Comic Relief is looking for someone with experience of driving income in a charity setting who will join its Finance & Fundraising Committee.

Applicants will bring a successful track record as a fundraiser, with a strong understanding of the challenges facing UK charities in maximising income streams and donor cultivation. Ideally, they will bring experience in a range of fundraising practices such as corporate, high net worth, individual giving, or licensing & royalties. Alongside other members of the Committee, they will be able to offer oversight, constructive challenge and expertise on these issues, acting as a ‘critical friend’ with respect to all matters within the Committee's remit.

On a personal level, the successful candidate will be committed to Comic Relief's vision as well as to Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Belonging. They will possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as a team member.

Eric Salama, Outgoing Chair
Charlotte Moar
Dr Tessy Ojo
Fiona Campbell
Jacqueline Onalo
Jenny Hodgson
Matt Hyde
Rupert Morley
Sue Black
Tom Shropshire

You can find out more about the Board here.

The Finance & Fundraising Committee currently meets four times per year, with meetings ideally in person, although hybrid is available; agreed, reasonable expenses can be covered. The expected time commitment is 6 -8 days per year.

Independent Committee members are appointed for a term of three years. This can be extended for two further three-year periods, up to a maximum of nine years from date of appointment.