Peter Wanless

Chief Executive

It is a delight to work for an organisation with the responsibility of helping communities and people most in need throughout the United Kingdom improve the quality of their lives by making a difference to the things which matter most to them

Peter Wanless has been the Big Lottery Fund's Chief Executive since 1 February 2008. He was previously at the Department for Children, Schools and Families, where he established their Families Group. Before that he was Director of School Performance and Reform.

Between 1998 and 2003 Peter was the Department’s Director of Strategy and Communications. He previously worked at the Treasury, operating in a range of roles including Head of Private Finance Policy and Principal Private Secretary to three Cabinet Ministers.

Peter read International History and Politics at Leeds University before joining the Civil Service. He was educated at Sheldon School in Chippenham, where his father taught music.

Peter is married with a seven-year old son. He was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 2007 New Year’s Honours List for distinguished public service.