The Aziz Foundation Welcomes Joe Dobson as Director to Lead Strategic Growth and Impact

This appointment comes as the UK charity rounds off its 10th anniversary year, marked by flagship initiatives including Ramadan Lights London and national leadership on inclusion and education.

The Aziz Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Joe Dobson as its new Director. Joe joins at the close of the Foundation’s 10th anniversary year, marking a decade of transformative work, and will now guide the charity into its next decade of impact.

Joe brings over 20 years of experience in the charity sector. Most recently, he served as Head of Funding at The National Lottery Community Fund, where he oversaw major grant-making programmes as a member of the Fund’s England Leadership Team. His career has included roles at The Children’s Society and the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, as well as service with North Yorkshire Police. Alongside his professional career, Joe dedicated two decades as a youth worker at the Damilola Taylor Centre on the North Peckham Estate, reflecting his lifelong commitment to social justice and community empowerment.

In 2023, the Foundation launched its flagship Ramadan Lights London initiative, the first aerial Ramadan lights installation in Western Europe, which now dazzles annually above Piccadilly Circus as a global symbol of unity and multicultural celebration. Since then, it has established itself as a national leader in tackling discrimination, co-founding the British Muslim Trust, advancing the Muslim Friendly Universities Programme, and championing community-focused initiatives across the arts, sport, and civic life, including the annual Open Iftar in Trafalgar Square. To mark its 10th anniversary, the Foundation hosted its first Eid celebration and is preparing to launch its inaugural Social Impact Awards, alongside the opening of a new community centre in London’s West End - an inclusive space which will welcome people of all faiths and none.

As it enters its second decade, the Foundation remains driven by its values of aspiration, empowerment, inclusion, solidarity, social justice, and impact – continuing to nurture leaders who will uplift their communities and contribute to a fairer society.

Joe Dobson, Director, The Aziz Foundation, commented:

“It is an honour to join The Aziz Foundation at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Over the past ten years, the Foundation has created opportunities for British Muslims and other underrepresented communities, fostering inclusion and inspiring social mobility. I am excited to build on this legacy – strengthening our programmes, expanding our partnerships, and ensuring that our scholars and communities continue to thrive, lead, and shape a more equitable society.”

Rahima Aziz BEM, Trustee, The Aziz Foundation, added:

“We are thrilled to have Joe join us at the end of this milestone year. His wealth of experience and long-standing commitment to young people and disadvantaged communities will be invaluable as we embark on our next chapter. With Joe’s leadership, the Foundation is poised to expand its reach and continue driving meaningful, systemic change. His dedication and expertise make him the ideal leader to guide the Foundation’s future growth.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

For media enquiries, imagery, or interview requests, please contact:

Saskia Jiggens, Head of Communications and Engagement (s.jiggens@azizfoundation.org.uk)

ABOUT THE AZIZ FOUNDATION

Founded in 2015, The Aziz Foundation is dedicated to nurturing confident and articulate public leaders. Our mission is to empower individuals who can critically engage with public narratives while addressing the social challenges faced by British Muslim communities and wider society. At the heart of our work is a commitment to diversity and inclusion,  interfaith understanding,  economic empowerment and social cohesion, and we encourage Aziz Scholars to "pay it forward" by uplifting and inspiring their communities. Since our inception, we have awarded 700+ scholarships, facilitated 100+ internships, and organised countless mentorships. Additionally, we actively support good causes and organisations including the Young Westminster Foundation, Westminster and Kensington Football Club, Young Vic, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and St James's Church Piccadilly. Our efforts reflect a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity, empowering communities, and driving meaningful social change.