FitzHerbert was killed in a car crash on Sunday 7 January. His wife Kay was severely injured in the accident and is still recovering in hospital.

“It is with the most profound grief and sorrow that DSC announces the devastating news of the death of one of our best loved and most respected employees,” a statement from the DSC said. “He was one of the single most influential people in our sector and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with Luke’s family at this sad time.”

A tireless campaigner and champion of small charities, FitzHerbert worked at the DSC for over 20 years. The former teacher was deputy director of the organisation from1984 to 1995 and went on to work as a senior researcher.

Tributes have poured in to the DSC, which has set up a blog on its website for colleagues and friends to pay their respects. Stephen Bubb, chief executive of Acevo, said: "Luke was a fantastic guy - great mind, sharp wit and a constant source of new ideas. I particularly felt his work in keeping track of the lottery and holding them to account on how they spent good cause money was of great importance. He was, rightly, a thorn in their side when they failed to deliver for the sector.”

Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, said FitzHerbert was an “outstanding, towering figure within the voluntary and community sector who in particular gave it a strong and independent voice”.

A fund has been set up in FitzHerbert’s memory, and messages of condolence for his family can be left on the blog at www.dsc.org.uk.