Representatives from Bermuda joined leaders from around the world at the House of Lords in London this week.

Amanda Outerbridge, chairwoman of the Bermuda Foundation, and Myra Virgil, the organisation’s founding chief executive, took part in the networking event that came after celebrations marking 50 years of community foundations in the UK.

A statement said King Charles III “reflected on the impact of the community foundation movement and recognised the essential role of community foundations in strengthening civic life and community resilience”.

It added: “This week's gathering highlighted the importance of the community foundation model and its growing influence in tackling complex social challenges through locally driven, long-term philanthropy.”

The statement also said that the Foundation recently received accreditation through UK Community Foundations, the national body for community foundations, for its third time in 11 years.

It said the approval showed donors, partners and the wider community that the Foundation was “a trusted steward of charitable assets, an essential role in small island nations where social needs are evolving and resources must be effectively co-ordinated”.

Ms Outerbridge said: “It demonstrates the diligence of our team and also the confidence of donors, partners and non-profit colleagues in the value of a community foundation for Bermuda.

Dr Virgil said: “From the beginning, our aim has been to build a philanthropic institution capable of serving Bermuda in a sustained and meaningful way.

“Accreditation acknowledges that we are on the right path, but it is our community of stakeholders and supporters, and the many individuals who engage with this work, who have enabled the Foundation to grow into what it is today.

“We thank each of them for walking this journey with us.”