Tributes have been paid to charity sector leader Elizabeth Balgobin, who passed away last week.
Balgobin had held numerous leadership roles throughout her career in the sector including as chief executive of the Bowlby Centre and as head of diversity and inclusion at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
She also held several positions at the National Emergencies Trust (NET), and was a columnist for Governance & Leadership magazine. A selection of her articles can be read here.
Balgobin was diagnosed with stage four cancer earlier this year. She passed away on 8 March, aged 58.
Last week, she wrote that she was grateful for the care she had received and asked people to donate to St Joseph’s Hospice, if they wished.
I am intensely grateful to North London Hospice, St Joseph's Hospice for the care they have provided to my family, friends and colleagus. Their care has been exemplary.
— Elizabeth Balgobin (@balgobinthinks) March 5, 2024
‘A force to be reckoned with for over 30 years’
Balgobin joined NET’s allocations committee in spring 2020 and helped to establish and shape its equity scrutiny group, for which she later served as deputy chair.
The group’s role was to critique the board’s decision-making through the lens of protected characteristics, and to enhance outcomes for the diverse communities.
Balgobin also oversaw NET’s equity, diversity and inclusion strategy.
We are deeply saddened to share the news that our wonderful Trustee & friend Elizabeth Balgobin @balgobinthinks has passed away. We have been privileged to have Elizabeth play an integral role in our journey as a charity. Her passion for social justice & her compassion for… pic.twitter.com/ugaVJwVUq2
— National Emergencies Trust (@NatEmergTrust) March 9, 2024
The NET said: “A passionate advocate for social justice striving for nothing short of excellence when it comes to equity, Elizabeth Balgobin has been a force to be reckoned with in the UK’s voluntary and community sector for more than 30 years.”
It said that “whatever hat Elizabeth has worn, her strong value system always guided her actions”.
“We are privileged that Elizabeth chose to be part of the National Emergencies Trust’s journey for the last four years,” NET said.
“She was nothing short of instrumental in ensuring funds from the £99+m Coronavirus Appeal were distributed efficiently and, above all, equitably for the benefit of those in great need.
“In the face of intense external scrutiny, she held steadfast in her commitment to taking a data-led approach to fund distribution – and ensuring equity by bringing lived experience to the forefront of decision-making.
“After the Appeal, Elizabeth championed a transparent and progressive approach to the Trust’s work; from her invaluable efforts to develop an evaluation framework for future appeals as chair of the evaluation working group, to spearheading our EDI strategy.
“Under her influence, we have prided ourselves in taking an ‘actions-not-words’ approach - and in our culture of continuous improvement.
“Thanks to Elizabeth Balgobin, the National Emergencies Trust started its journey with the ‘right’ foundations: with equity and excellence at the centre.
“We are grateful that all future emergency appeals will build on what she started – and resolute, as Elizabeth always was, that we will never knowingly leave anyone behind.”
‘A shining light’
The CIoF said: “We are all incredibly sad to hear of the death of our former colleague and friend, Elizabeth Balgobin.
“Elizabeth was a shining light within our organisation, generous with her time, support and wisdom. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.”
We are all incredibly sad to hear of the death of our former colleague & friend, Elizabeth Balgobin @balgobinthinks.
— Chartered Institute of Fundraising (@CIOFtweets) March 11, 2024
Elizabeth was a shining light within our organisation, generous with her time, support & wisdom. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time❤️ pic.twitter.com/i6wdkK4Xul
I am so sad to hear that Elizabeth has died. A beacon of hope during the sector's darkest days, and a relentless campaigner for social justice. In her final posts she urged us to think of others, creating #KingsFiver as an alternative # for #FirstFiver @StJoHospice @NatEmergTrust https://t.co/cPGCBOnbaU
— John Thompson, aka Johnny Five (@JTCHANGINGBIZ) March 10, 2024
