The British Heart Foundation's objectives are simple: fund research to prevent, diagnose, and treat heart disease, share health information to lower risk, and push for policies that cut cardiovascular disease across the UK.
What are the British Heart Foundation’s values?
The British Heart Foundation’s core values are brave, informed, compassionate, and driven, shaping how staff and volunteers approach research, support, and advocacy.
These values aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of how the BHF equips patients, carers, and communities to take control of heart health. They also shape the organization’s culture, so every colleague lives by these principles. For the full picture, check out the BHF Values and Behaviours page.
What are the functional areas of the British Heart Foundation?
The British Heart Foundation runs human resources, volunteering, learning and development, internal communications, facilities management, and health and safety, with over 4,000 staff on the payroll.
These functions keep the BHF ticking—supporting fundraising, research, and public health work while making sure staff and volunteers have a safe, supportive place to work. Volunteers are the backbone, especially in fundraising and community outreach. Dive deeper on the BHF careers page.
Who does the British Heart Foundation support?
It’s not just about funding research. The BHF also provides resources, support networks, and practical advice for patients, carers, and those at risk. Programs range from school education to tailored guidance for people living with conditions like congenital heart disease. Need help? Head to the BHF Information and Support section.
What is the British Heart Foundation’s mission?
The British Heart Foundation’s mission is to wipe out heartbreak from heart and circulatory diseases by funding research and pushing for better prevention, treatment, and care.
This isn’t just talk. The BHF has already helped cut UK cardiovascular deaths by more than half since it started. They do it through cutting-edge science, public health campaigns, and advocacy. Want the full story? Check out BHF About Us.
Why is the British Heart Foundation so successful?
The British Heart Foundation thrives because it invests in groundbreaking heart research and connects deeply with the public, which has revolutionized cardiac care.
Since 1961, BHF-funded research has led to game-changing breakthroughs like heart transplants and statins. The charity’s knack for rallying public support and influencing policy has also been a major driver. As of 2026, it’s still the top funder of cardiovascular research in the UK. Curious? Read the BHF Impact Report.
Where does British Heart Foundation money go?
British Heart Foundation money goes straight into research on heart and circulatory diseases, public health campaigns, and support services—with only a tiny slice spent on prizes and promotions.
Every penny raised fuels research grants, awareness campaigns, and patient support programs. The BHF keeps things transparent with annual reports on spending. See the breakdown on the BHF Funding Breakdown.
What is the size of the British Heart Foundation?
The British Heart Foundation is massive—over 4,000 staff and thousands of volunteers across the UK, making it one of the country’s biggest cardiovascular charities.
As of 2026, it operates in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with shops, research centers, and local groups nationwide. This scale lets it make a real difference in research, prevention, and patient care. For regional details, visit BHF Contact Us.
Who is the CEO of the British Heart Foundation?
As of 2026, Dr Charmaine Griffiths is the Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, known for her steady leadership during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Griffiths joined the BHF in 2016 and has overseen major growth in research funding and public engagement. Her leadership has earned praise in employee reviews and industry awards. Meet the executive team at BHF Leadership.
How does the British Heart Foundation raise money?
The British Heart Foundation raises money through donations, legacies, fundraising events like Wear it. Beat it., and challenges such as the London to Brighton Bike Ride.
Corporate partnerships, charity shops, and digital campaigns bring in serious cash too. All these funds fuel research, awareness, and patient services across the UK. Ready to help? Explore options at BHF Take Action.
What are the aims and objectives of the British Heart Foundation?
The British Heart Foundation aims to lead research into the causes of heart disease and better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat it, while sharing risk-reduction info and pushing for healthier policies.
Its objectives include funding breakthrough science, giving communities the tools to stay healthy, and pushing government to take action against cardiovascular disease. These goals drive every program the BHF runs. Learn more at BHF Research Strategy.
What type of company is the British Heart Foundation?
The British Heart Foundation is a company limited by guarantee, set up in England on 28 July 1961, and based at Greater London House, 180 Hampstead Road, London NW1 7AW.
It’s a charity, so any surplus cash goes back into its mission—not into shareholders’ pockets. This structure keeps it sustainable and focused on public good. For the official details, check the UK Companies House registry.
Does the British Heart Foundation have shareholders?
No, the British Heart Foundation doesn’t have shareholders—it’s a charity limited by guarantee with no equity investors.
That said, some trading subsidiaries (like retail operations) might hold nominal shares for operational reasons. These aren’t equity investments in the charity itself. For transparency, see the BHF financial transparency page.
Why do people donate to the British Heart Foundation?
People donate to the British Heart Foundation to fund research that stops heart attacks, strokes, vascular dementia, and more.
Donors often have personal connections to heart disease, trust the BHF’s impact, or want to support life-saving science. Legacies are another big source of long-term funding. Ready to give? Visit BHF Fundraising.
Is the Heart Foundation reliable?
The British Heart Foundation is one of the most trusted charities in the UK, with a rock-solid reputation since 1961 and a track record of funding impactful research.
It’s earned the Gold Standard for fundraising transparency from the Fundraising Regulator and consistently scores highly with charity evaluators. Since 1959, it’s funded over £670 million in research, improving heart health nationwide. Want proof? Check out BHF Reputation.
What are the changes that you can make to your lifestyle to prevent cardiovascular disease?
To slash your risk of cardiovascular disease, quit smoking, eat well, move regularly, keep a healthy weight, manage blood pressure and cholesterol, control diabetes, and cut stress.
Both the American Heart Association (AHA) and BHF back these steps. Small, steady changes add up over time—just check with your doctor before making big changes, especially if you have health conditions.
