Martin retired as Chief Executive of the British Council in 2015 having spent 30 years in building cultural and educational relationships for the UK around the world but especially in China. He has spent 15 years of his career living and working in China and Hong Kong and speaks both Mandarin and Cantonese.

Following retirement from the British Council, Martin has embarked on more varied career and he now chairs the Great Britain China Centre which develops legal and political links with China; he is also Chairman of International Inspiration – the sport for development foundation which came out London 2012 and he is Vice Chair of Leonard Cheshire Disability as well as having business links with East Asia.

In his spare time, Martin is a glider pilot with the Bath Wilts and North Dorset Gliding Club and he is also a beekeeper and secretary to the Shaftesbury and Gillingham Beekeepers Association.

Martin commented on his appointment: ‘Having spent so many years living outside the UK, I am delighted that I am now able to work with my own local community and to support those in need living much more closely to me’.

Michael Kay JP, the Chairman of the Foundation commented: ‘We are really pleased that Sir Martin is joining our Board of Trustees. I’m looking forward to working with him and the Board of Trustees leading on the development strategy for the Foundation which will enable us to help even more people in need across the county’.

Sir Martin was knighted by HM the Queen in 2014 for his services to British cultural, scientific and educational interests worldwide.