08:48, 25 March 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
While Gillian Anderson may serve as a bridge between the US and the UK’s entertainment industry, she is also a proud ambassador for many social causes and charities.
From screen style to street style, M&S have just announced Gillian Anderson’s new position at the company — as Chief Complimments Officer.
Ahead of the brand’s newest spring collection, her role is to spread positively through encouraging words and harnessing the power of spreading joy to others. This campaign is the natural extension of M&S’s Love That campaign which highlights how compliments may seem small but can have a big impact on someone’s day, how they feel and how they express themselves.
You can see her very professional LinkedIn profile here.
Gillian Anderson is not just a screen icon — she’s a passionate advocate for children affected by conflict and hardship. As a Global Ambassador for War Child UK, Anderson helps raise awareness for children impacted by war, supporting education and recovery programs. She also co-founded SAYes Mentoring, providing guidance and mentorship to young people transitioning out of state care, demonstrating her belief in the transformative power of personal support.
Gillian’s philanthropic work extends to healthcare and rare diseases. She supports the Neurofibromatosis Network, a cause close to her heart due to her family experience, raising funds and awareness. Additionally, she champions indigenous rights through Survival International, advocating for tribal communities’ autonomy and cultural survival.
Those that are fans of the actress know she is a long-time advocate for women’s equality, Gillian supports organisations like the Feminist Majority Foundation. She engages in campaigns addressing gender violence, reproductive rights, and global women’s issues. Through these efforts, she amplifies the voices of underserved women, using her platform to drive social change both locally and internationally.
Anderson’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2016, she received an honorary OBE for her contributions to drama and philanthropy, cementing her reputation as an artist who leverages fame for meaningful impact.
From children in crisis to women’s empowerment and indigenous rights, her advocacy reflects a lifelong commitment to making a difference beyond the screen.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
War Child UK. A charity that operates internationally to protect children in areas affected by conflict. Their work specialises in giving children equal access to be protected, educated and support mental health rights. Learn more here.
Neurofibromatosis Network. This is a leading organisation for federal funding into the NF research and supporting those with the condition. Discover their work here.
Feminist Majority Foundation. This organisation supports the development of women’s rights, non-violence and reproductive healthcare. Their work combines research and action-led programmes to advance feminism in the US. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
