Governance • Inclusion • Sustainability
The Fellowship Programmes
We run regular fellowship programmes for exceptional individuals from 12 countries across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia who are working in the field of governance and justice, climate and sustainability, or equality, diversity and inclusion.
Our 6-month hybrid programmes consist of monthly online discussions and workshops followed by a residential programme in the UK. They are built around three pillars – unique insight into UK institutions, personalised professional meetings and leadership skills development – which together offer both a broad picture and an individual focus.
Fellows become part of the John Smith Trust’s collaborative community for life.
Rebrand announcement
As the John Smith Trust marks its 30th anniversary in 2026, the Board is pleased to announce that it will be renamed the Just Society Trust.
Originally established to support leadership during the post-Soviet democratic transition, the Trust’s mission has evolved in response to profound global change. The challenges faced by our growing community of 600+ leaders are systemic and shared across societies globally.
The rebrand recognises this change in our role. Our renewed focus is to create a growing network of leaders with the relationships and skills needed to build sustainable, peaceful and just societies, grounded in the principle that meaningful change comes from trust, dialogue and equal collaboration rather than imposed models.
The Trust remains grateful to its longstanding partners, including the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Scottish Government, and looks forward to a new phase of development in partnership with the University of St Andrews.
This transition also marks a leadership change, with the retirement of Founding Chair Baroness Elizabeth Smith after 30 years of tireless service, sharing her late husband's commitment to internationalism.
We are proud of our work over the last 30 years. Looking to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism, we invite Fellows and Partners to remain active participants in the Just Society Trust’s next chapter.
