The Joint East African Board (JEAB) was established in 1923 by settlers in Kenya, Nyasaland (Malawi), Tanganyika (Tanzania), Uganda, and Zanzibar and their sympathisers in Britain, to encourage the development of these territories in terms of agriculture, commerce, and industry. In Mar 1926, the Board was incorporated a company limited by guarantee. In later years, the Executive frequently reviewed the nature and functions of the Board, and adapted them to changing conditions in Africa. In Jun 1949, the name was altered to 'Joint East and Central African Board ' (JECAB) and this title was altered in its turn, in Dec 1965, to 'Joint Africa Board'. A list of members of the Executive for the years 1946-1965 is given below:

Secretaries of the Board (designated 'Director' from 1959): R.K. Winter, 1940-1953; P.B. Broadbent, 1953-1965; and S. Stanley-Smith, 1966.

Izard's connection with the Joint East African Board (JEAB) commenced with his arrival in England to explore the possibilities of London Representation of the Kenya Electors' Union. The Board introduced him to persons concerned with East Africa and provided a London base from which he conducted his enquiries. He attended meetings of the Board as representative of the Electors' Union, which held corporate membership, and later, when appointed London Representative of the three East African Tea Boards, he became their official representative on the JECAB. In Jul 1946, an Economic and Development Committee was set up, its functions being defined as 'To keep continuously under review actual or prospective short and long-term economic and social development in the Eastern and Central African Colonies by study and regular meetings ' (MSS. Afr. s. 1257/4, folder 1, fol. 22). Lt. Col. G.J. Scovell was appointed Chairman and R.K. Winter became Secretary to the Committee, as well as to the Board in general. The old General Purposes Committee was dissolved.

In Jan 1948, a Political Sub-Committee was also established, but no special office bearers were appointed. Its function was 'to consider East African Political Matters' (MSS. Afr. s. 1257/4, folder 2, fol. 81). After its first meeting, joint meetings of the two committees became a regular feature of the Board's activities until Scovell's death towards the end of the year. The Economic and Development Committee and the Political Sub-Committee then merged to form a General Standing Committee. At first, the new Standing Committee met weekly to deal with day-to-day urgent matters, and all memoranda and letters from East and Central Africa, but later these meetings became less frequent. In Jan 1953, the Executive decided that a monthly 'Chairman's Newsletter' should be issued to keep in closer contact with members of the Board.