We are thrilled to announce that Venetia Bell, Chief Operating Officer of the Clean Air Fund, will be taking on the role of Chair at EFN from Wednesday 2 December. She joined the EFN board as a trustee in June and brings extensive board experience, including in Chair roles, as well as knowledge of the environmental philanthropy sector and many NGOs working on climate issues, particularly those tackling air pollution globally.
Passionate about driving positive impact, Venetia serves as Chair of a start-up aiming to equip five million workers with sustainable skills by 2030, and of a charity supporting girls and young women in Surrey. Her career reflects a breadth of experience, including roles as Chief Sustainability Officer at a bank, Head of Strategy at an asset management firm, and policy and economic roles at the Bank of England.
Commenting on her appointment as EFN’s new Chair of Trustees, Venetia said:
“EFN’s role as a field‑builder for environmental philanthropy strongly aligns with both my professional work and my personal motivation to scale and strengthen how environmental funding operates.
My perspective on the climate crisis has been shaped by experience across the public, private and non‑profit sectors — including considering climate risk at the Bank of England, designing sustainable finance products, overseeing a sustainability micro-learning platform in the private sector, and catalysing policy and system change through philanthropic interventions.
I’m impressed with how EFN brings together funders, advisors, fundraisers, and environmental groups to tackle problems, share best practice and inspire each other. I look forward to supporting EFN in its next chapter of growth.”
Commenting on Venetia’s appointment, Catherine Bryan, current Chair of Trustees at EFN said:
“EFN’s trustees are delighted that Venetia will be stepping up as EFN’s Chair of Trustees in December 2026. She will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role and I will be working closely with her on the recruitment of our new Executive Director to ensure a smooth transition period for EFN.
I am confident that she will help to build and strengthen EFN’s philanthropy and Green Fundraisers Forum networks and support the team to continue their great work in the future. Many of you will meet Venetia at EFN events and I know you will warmly welcome her into the role.”
We look forward to welcoming Venetia as Chair of Trustees in December 2026.