Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – Amelia Burton, Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
This week’s 60-second Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Amelia Burton, Philanthropy Manager at Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
I work at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), as a Philanthropy Manager- creating partnerships with people who share RNIB’s mission of breaking down barriers for blind and partially sighted people, and creating a more inclusive society.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day often involves talking to philanthropists, trustees, advisors, wealth managers, and private client lawyers; I enjoy learning about their interests and how we can work together. I am very fortunate to also spend time with the incredible people who deliver RNIB’s services (whether that be our Eye Care Liaison Officers, social action team, or education specialists), and people whose lives have been changed for the better through RNIB. I write proposals and reports on the impact of a supporter’s giving, as well as conducting research. It’s a very varied and rewarding job! Please do feel free to add me on LinkedIn or email me on Amelia.Burton@rnib.org.uk if you’d like to find out more.
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.
I’m preparing a funding proposal for a charitable foundation on RNIB’s Helpline. Our Helpline supports people and their families from when they first receive an eye condition diagnosis throughout their lives, which is crucial given that there are eight million outpatient eye care appointments in the UK every year. An interesting aspect of my role is attending events, and I was lucky to witness sculptor Frances Segelman create a bust of the actor Ray Winstone recently.
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
Every six minutes someone starts to lose their sight. Blind and partially sighted people are three times more likely to experience mental health challenges, and two times more likely to not have any qualifications. At RNIB, we are determined to change this- through tailored support for people, and through campaigning for systemic change which empowers people with a vision impairment and creates a society in which people can reach their full potential and thrive. We cannot do this alone- philanthropy plays a crucial part in helping us move closer to achieving our ambitions.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
My first day at the RNIB. What drives me in my career is my own lived experience: I have a disability, and my family and I have been helped by a charity, and so to be able to pay that forward in my career is a dream come true.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Integrity, ambition, and empathy.
Who do you most admire and why?
My partner, whose thoughtfulness, strong sense of purpose and intelligence are wonderful to witness.
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
Pisa and Florence- brilliant museums, scenery, excellent coffee and gelato!
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
In another life, I think I would be working in a museum. I did a history degree, and still love to visit museums, and read- especially about medieval and Renaissance cultural history!
How do you relax after a long day?
A cup of tea and chat with my partner, listening to a podcast, or catching up with my friends and family.
If you could recommend one person in the private wealth industry who would it be, and what would you say about them?
Rosalyn Breedy– not only is she is a deeply knowledgeable and incredible lawyer, she is also very kind and down to earth.
Key Takeaways
- Amelia Burton, Philanthropy Manager at RNIB, builds partnerships to support blind and partially sighted individuals.
- Her typical day includes discussions with philanthropists and writing proposals about RNIB’s positive impact.
- Amelia’s proudest achievement is starting her role at RNIB, driven by her personal experience with disability.
- She admires her partner’s intelligence and kindness, highlighting integrity, ambition, and empathy as key leadership traits.
- For relaxation, she enjoys tea and conversations, and she dreams of working in a museum if not in her current field.
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