Access announces Daniela Barone Soares OBE as Chair Designate

Access – The Foundation for Social Investment has announced the appointment of Daniela Barone Soares OBE as Chair Designate.

Daniela brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning impact investing, philanthropy, business and systems change. As Chair Designate, she will succeed Nick Hurd, who has chaired Access since 2020 and will step down at the end of September after six years in the role.

Daniela joins Access at a pivotal moment and the start of an exciting new chapter for Access. The organisation is entering its second decade of supporting charities and social enterprises to access the finance they need to thrive, while playing an increasingly active role in shaping a more effective and inclusive social investment market.

One of Daniela’s first priorities as Chair will be to lead the recruitment of a permanent Chief Executive. During this period, Access will continue to be led by its experienced Senior Leadership Team, providing stability and continuity across the organisation. Interim arrangements are already in place with Neil Berry serving as Interim CEO from 1 September, Chloe Stables taking on additional responsibilities as Acting Deputy CEO and Helena Tuxworth as Acting Director of Grants and Investments. These appointments complement the existing wider leadership team and ensure the organisation remains well placed to deliver its strategy and support its partners.

Currently a member of the Board of Tribe Impact Capital, Daniela was previously Chief Executive Officer of Snowball, the pioneering impact investment fund, until its acquisition by Tribe in 2025. Before joining Snowball, she served as Chief Executive of Impetus, one of the UK's leading venture philanthropy organisations. She has also played a significant role in shaping the UK's impact investing ecosystem through advisory roles with the G7 Social Impact Investment Taskforce and Better Society Capital.

Alongside her executive career, Daniela is a Non-Executive Director of Bunzl plc and Toniic, the global impact investor network, and a Trustee of the Institute for the Future of Work and the Haddad Foundation. She was awarded an OBE in 2024 for services to business and impact investing.

Daniela Barone Soares OBE said: 

"I am delighted to be joining Access. Throughout its first decade, Access has helped transform the social investment landscape, making finance more accessible, flexible and relevant to charities and social enterprises across England."

"At a time when communities are facing complex social and economic challenges, organisations need access to the right mix of funding and investment to achieve their ambitions. I look forward to working with the Board, Neil, the team and our partners to build on Access's strong foundations and help shape the next chapter."

Neil Berry, Interim CEO of Access, said: 

"We are thrilled that Daniela will be taking on the role as Chair of Access. She brings a rare combination of investment expertise, systems thinking and a deep commitment to social enterprise. 

"Daniela has been at the forefront of the development of impact investing in the UK and internationally. Her experience working across investment, philanthropy and business gives her a unique perspective on the opportunities ahead for Access and the wider ecosystem. We look forward to working with her as we continue our mission of making social investment work better for charities, social enterprises and communities."

Right Hon Nick Hurd, outgoing Chair of Access, said: 

“Like every successful organisation, Access needs to keep challenging itself to be even better. At this important time, Daniela will bring fresh energy and rigour to help the excellent board and team do just that. My thanks to everyone involved in the journey so far.”