He worked for Voluntary Service Overseas in Zambia, an experience which led him into a career in development where he has specialised in leadership, disability, mental health and appropriate technology.
[4] [5] and in 2019 he co-founded The Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs [6] Underhill has also served as chief executive of the Intermediate Technology Development Group (now Practical Action), the charity founded by E. F. Schumacher, author of Small Is Beautiful.
Underhill received the esteemed Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship 2013[17] which recognised his commitment towards: 'altering peace and human security practices that prevent the most marginalized or vulnerable from accessing and benefiting from the system'.
[17] The Skoll Award marked the significant contribution made by Underhill to the field of global mental health through BasicNeeds.
In 2014, Chris Underhill was recognized for his contribution to the field of mental health by being selected as a Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the year.