The Female Lead
The Foundation supports and runs a campaign called The Female LeadThe Female Lead is dedicated to making women's stories more visible and offering alternative role models to those ever present in popular culture. Founded by data pioneer and entrepreneur Edwina Dunn, the project highlights the breadth of female achievement in order to offer inspiration for future generations
Objects
TO ADVANCE SUCH CHARITABLE PURPOSES (ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF ENGLAND AND WALES) AS THE TRUSTEES SEE FIT FROM TIME TO TIME IN PARTICULAR BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ADVANCING OF THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT, BY MAKING GRANTS AND AWARDS, IN PARTICULAR BUT NOT EXCLUSIVELY TO (I) INDIVIDUAL YOUNG PERSONS; (II) EDUCATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND PROJECTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE; (III) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATIONS AND PROJECTS WHICH AIM TO FURTHER THE EDUCATION OF, SUPPORT AND INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE; (IV) ARTS AND SCIENCES ORGANISATIONS AND PROJECTS WHICH AIM TO FURTHER THE EDUCATION OF, SUPPORT AND INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity holds unrestricted funds of negative £941,427 as of 31 August 2025, indicating a deficit position. Per the trustees' report, the charity incurred a net expenditure of £941,427 during the year, driven by charitable activities and support costs. The trustees express confidence in future income from partnerships but currently rely on loans from a trustee to remain financially viable.
What the accounts disclose
“During the financial year there were two employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.” — page 13
“During the financial year there were two employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.” — page 13
“It is the policy of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation that all funds held by the charity are unrestricted and may be applied to any of its charitable activities. The Trustees consider the reserves will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Charitable Incorporated Organisation’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised.” — page 5
“The Trustees are very confident that income and donations will be forthcoming and much more substantial in this coming year. This forecast is based on the development of partnership tools and capabilities that unlock value for a variety of major corporations. The charity's key assets and guiding principles will of course be maintained at all times. In the interim, the Trustees are committed to supporting the financial needs of the charity guaranteeing that it remains financially viable until that income is confirmed.” — page 6
“During the year, the Charity drew down a total of £360,000 (2024: £300,000) in loans from Mrs E D Humby, who is a trustee. The loans are interest free and repayable on the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the agreement dates, or (ii) on an exit.” — page 14
“During the year, the Charity paid £59,400 (2024: £108,900) for services from Rhomu Limited, a Company connected to a Trustee. These services were provided on an arms-length basis under Rhomu's charity rate.” — page 14
“During the year, the Charity drew down a total of £360,000 (2024: £300,000) in loans from Mrs E D Humby, who is a trustee. The loans are interest free and repayable on the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the agreement dates, or (ii) on an exit.” — page 14
“During the year, the Charity paid £59,400 (2024: £108,900) for services from Rhomu Limited, a Company connected to a Trustee. These services were provided on an arms-length basis under Rhomu's charity rate.” — page 14
“Female Lead Enterprises Ltd is a private limited company, registered number 13766608. The company was incorporated on the 26 November 2021 and 100% of the £1 ordinary share capital is owned by The Female Lead.” — page 14
Policies the charity declares
- Bullying and harassment policy and procedures
- Campaigns and political activity policy and procedures
- Complaints policy and procedures
- Engaging external speakers at charity events policy and procedures
- Financial reserves policy and procedures
- Internal charity financial controls policy and procedures
- Internal risk management policy and procedures
- Investing charity funds policy and procedures
- Safeguarding policy and procedures
- Serious incident reporting policy and procedures
- Social media policy and procedures
- Trustee conflicts of interest policy and procedures
- Trustee expenses policy and procedures
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/08/2021)
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (14/03/2019)
Trustees
- Andrew Prophet
- CLIVE HUMBY
- EDWINA HUMBY
- ROWENA HUMBY
- Rose Sandy
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £95k | £469k |
| 31/08/2024 | £111k | £425k |
| 31/08/2023 | £243k | £572k |
| 31/08/2022 | £427k | £500k |
| 31/08/2021 | £537k | £420k |
Common questions
Is The Female Lead financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity holds unrestricted funds of negative £941,427 as of 31 August 2025, indicating a deficit position. Per the trustees' report, the charity incurred a net expenditure of £941,427 during the year, driven by charitable activities and support costs. The trustees express confidence in future income from partnerships but currently rely on loans from a trustee to remain financially viable. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
What does the highest-paid employee of The Female Lead earn?
Per its FY2025 accounts, the highest-paid employee was in the unclear band, and 2 employees earned over £60,000.