The British Asian Trust has announced the appointment of Scope’s director of fundraising, Alan Gosschalk, as its new director of fundraising and communications.

Gosschalk will join the trust at the end of January, he confirmed today.

He will rejoin his former chief executive at Scope, Richard Hawkes, who was appointed to the CEO post at the Trust in October after leaving Scope in May.

In a statement this morning, Gosschalk said he was “looking forward to joining the British Asian Trust at this very exciting stage” in the charity’s development.

“It's an opportunity to help establish a new model organisation that will have a huge impact in South Asia,” he said. “I am hugely motivated by the Trust's drive and ambition and am looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

The British Asian Trust was established by Prince Charles in 2007 and describes itself as the UK’s leading organisation for British Asian philanthropy.

The charity aims to provide a vehicle for UK and Asian philanthropists to support grassroot development programmes in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

It boasts an extensive ambassador list from the worlds of British and Asian commerce, arts, entertainment, politics and sport. Its total income is forecast to top £3m by the end of the year.

Richard Hawkes, chief executive of the Trust, said: “I am delighted that Alan will be joining us. He is widely recognised as one of the top fundraising directors in the country and it is a real statement of our intent and ambition that he has decided to join us and help this organisation grow.” 

Gosschalk will be replaced on an interim basis by Scope's current head of philanthropy and corporate partnerships, Tamsin Baxter.

Scope's chief executive Mark Atkinson, said Gosschalk was an "incredible asset" to the charity.

“His brilliant leadership has led to a year-on-year growth of voluntary income and long-standing, successful partnerships with individuals and companies that we’re incredibly proud to have on board with our work," he said.

“We’re delighted for Alan and wish him well in his exciting new role."