Manchester United Foundation is the charitable arm of one of the most recognised football clubs in the world. Its work reaches thousands of young people and communities across Greater Manchester, using the power of sport to inspire, educate and support. So when the Foundation needed to strengthen its board of trustees, they came to Charisma.

The brief was clear: find two exceptional individuals to join the board. People who could bring genuine charity expertise, strategic vision, and a real commitment to the Foundation's mission. What followed was one of those recruitment journeys that reminds you why this work matters.

A search worth talking about

Charisma's approach went well beyond posting a job advert and waiting. The team combined targeted advertising with proactive headhunting, actively seeking out high-calibre individuals whose values and experience aligned with what the Foundation was looking for.

The response was remarkable. Over 90 applications came in, a reflection of both the prestige of the organisation and the reach of Charisma's network. From that pool, the team conducted thorough vetting interviews, digging into each candidate's expertise, their passion for the cause, and their capacity for strategic thinking at board level.

Twelve candidates made the longlist. Six were invited for face-to-face interviews in the boardroom at Old Trafford. It is safe to say that not many recruitment processes take place in quite that setting.

When the brief gets upgraded

The board members, no strangers to watching exceptional talent perform under pressure, found themselves genuinely impressed. The calibre of candidates was so strong that they faced a problem most organisations would welcome: they could not choose between them.

The decision was made to appoint three trustees rather than two. It was a bold move, and a clear endorsement of the quality of the shortlist Charisma had assembled. Three talented individuals joined the board, each bringing something distinctive and valuable to the Foundation's future.

"By exceeding expectations, Charisma secured not just two, but three trustees poised to propel the Foundation towards even greater heights."

A relationship built on trust

A successful recruitment is always satisfying. But what followed made this one particularly special.

When the Foundation needed to expand its board again, they came back to Charisma. A second search was undertaken with the same rigour and care as the first, and three further trustees were appointed. Six trustees in total across two searches, each one chosen not just for their credentials, but for their genuine alignment with everything the Foundation stands for.

This kind of repeat instruction means a great deal to the Charisma team. It speaks to the trust that has been built, and to the consistency of the work that underpins it.

What this kind of recruitment takes

Finding trustees for a high-profile charitable foundation is not simply about matching CVs to a job description. It requires an understanding of the sector, the sensitivity to assess values as well as skills, and the persistence to look beyond the obvious candidates.

The Manchester United Foundation searches are a good example of what Charisma does well. A thorough and proactive process. A genuine investment in understanding what the organisation needs. And a commitment to finding people who will make a real difference, not just fill a seat.

Whether you are looking for one trustee or an entirely new team, the approach is the same: careful, considered, and always focused on finding the right person for the right role.

Ready to strengthen your board?

If you are looking for exceptional trustees, senior leaders, or charity professionals, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with the Charisma team and let's talk about how we can help.