Rob is Chief Executive of the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, the largest charity of its type in the UK. He plays a leading role in philanthropy in North East England and nationally, and has particular expertise in governance, charitable giving and voluntary sector research.

Rob was for six years Director of Policy and Communications at Northern Rock Foundation. His early career was in frontline charities for homeless and vulnerable people. He then went on to senior roles in urban regeneration and local government.

Rob speaks and writes regularly about issues in charity, philanthropy and funding. He is Chair of the BBC’s Charity Appeals Advisory Committee and serves as a Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear. He was awarded an OBE for voluntary and charitable services in the 2024 New Years Honours. Rob lives with his husband in Newcastle upon Tyne.