Sanderson-Connect

Sanderson-Connect Consulting

Sanderson-Connect

Strategic leadership and philanthropic advisory to drive social and organisational impact.

I help individuals, boards, and foundations clarify purpose, align strategy, and deliver measurable change.

Why choose me?

40+ years of leadership across public, private and philanthropic sectors
Former foundation CEO – led a £280m endowment and £12m annual spend
Designed a range of social value, high impact programmes spanning non-profits, corporates and government
Global and online engagements – informal discussion welcomed

About Sanderson-Connect

My Experience

Skilled in leadership development, strategic planning, social innovation and systems change.
Significant cross-sector experience in developing and delivering innovative and impactful social value programmes with a wide range of non-profits, major corporates, private philanthropists, government and local authorities.
Former Foundation CEO with a strong emphasis on 'place' based initiatives and community building, with significant experience in sustainable business & transformational change.
MBA, Army Staff College and UK Future Vision leadership programme graduate. Extensive international experience.

Services

Individuals

Mentoring and coaching to clarify goals, strengthen leadership skills, and unlock personal potential.

Philanthropic Advisory

Advising individuals, families, and foundations on strategy, performance, and impact — helping translate purpose into measurable outcomes.

Working with Boards

Supporting boards, CEOs and senior leaders to navigate complex environments, align governance with strategy, and embed social value or impact within organisational purpose.

Location

Available globally for in-person or online engagement. Informal discussions welcome

David Sanderson - Biography

I have dedicated my life to public service — as a leader, collaborator and advocate for transformational change. My career began in the Army, working in demanding environments, and later evolved to leading one of the UK’s most progressive foundations, advancing relational philanthropy, community empowerment and trust-based partnerships.

With over 40 years’ leadership experience across the charitable, corporate and public sectors, I bring a deep understanding of governance, organisational transformation and inclusive leadership. My approach values collaboration and shared purpose, applying equally to my executive, non-executive and advisory roles.

As Chief Executive of The Rank Foundation, I led a strategy of transformational change, stewarding a £280 million endowment and £12 million annual programme. I’ve built cross-sector initiatives connecting non-profits, businesses, philanthropists and government, with a strong focus on “place-based” social value and community capacity.

A graduate of the Future Vision Leadership Programme (UK, Harvard, MIT), and guest lecturer on the Masters in Philanthropy at Università Cattolica di Milano, I continue to advise foundations, families and individual philanthropists on strategy and social investment.

I currently serve on the board of the Dragonfly Trust, fostering collaboration between corporates and foundations, and work with Leadership for Conservation in Africa to develop the next generation of adaptive and entrepreneurial leaders.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-sanderson-mbe-dl-a761a54/