MERSEYSIDE - Key Persons
I joined the Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside in 2022 as a Programmes Executive. I'm one of the first points of contact for grant applicants, processing their applications, handling queries, and supporting them. I also ensure we receive grant monitoring forms and proof of expenditure on time.
Before working with the charity, I worked in healthcare recruitment and compliance, which allowed me to build my customer service and data-handling skills. I have always wanted to work somewhere that allowed me to see true change, and be able to help and support those who need it most, which is why I joined CFLM.
Outside of work, my main passions are games and cooking, as they're my favourite ways to bring together the people I love. My ideal Saturday would be spent solving a murder mystery over good food with my closest friends and partner.
Job Titles:
- Operations & Research Manager
I began my journey at Community Foundation as a the team Community Knowledge and Research Executive. Since then, I have taken on the responsibility of our facilities and HR.
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR of BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT and EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, UK COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS
The invasion of Ukraine will continue to have appalling humanitarian consequences for the country's civilian population and will have a long-lasting impact on millions of people across the region.
UK Community Foundations and our 47 strong community foundation network, along with the community foundation networks of Poland, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Latvia, are in communication with, and stand in support of, our sister organisations in Ukraine. We are also closely liaising with the European Community Foundation Initiative.
Currently 20 of the 33 community foundations in Ukraine remain operational and are being assisted in country by ISAR Ednannia (UKCF's Ukrainian equivalent). The latest figures from the United Nations show that over two million people have fled the country. That figure is likely to rise. The community foundations of the surrounding countries are providing essential aid and support to refugees of the conflict.
Here in the UK, our network stands ready to support refugees as we have done in the past. We are in contact with the Government about the role community foundations can play, and once the situation has been clarified, we will provide an update on what the community foundation network is doing to support refugees and how you can help.
I am a qualified youth leader who has worked in the voluntary sector for over 30 years and I was the co-ordinator of Granby Toxteth Activity Club which operated in Liverpool 8 for 22 years before closing in March 2013.
I am currently employed part time as a Finance Administrator at Shrewsbury House youth & community centre in West Everton.
I joined the Community Foundation as part of the Programmes Team in 2019 and have responsibility to assess grant applications and work with community groups to help them meet due diligence requirements. I have already had the opportunity to be involved on a number of funds, including Fair Housing Futures fund which afforded three-year grants for projects addressing vulnerability in the private rented sector as well as a variety of different funds supporting positive mental health and wellbeing.
Prior to the Community Foundation, I worked in relationship management within HSBC Corporate before embarking on a career change to the charitable sector. This saw me volunteer with British Red Cross Refugee Services for one year before taking up a position at Citizens Advice as a Caseworker. My academic background is a 1 st Class Law degree from Manchester Met University and a Master's degree in International Law and Human Rights (distinction result) from University of Liverpool. I also hold a qualification in Prince2 Project Management.
In my spare time I enjoy hiking and running and in 2020 I am hoping to take part and fundraise for my first ever marathon . I also enjoy yoga, theatre, exhibitions, eating out and spending time with friends.
Job Titles:
- Senior Programmes Executive
I joined the Community Foundation for Merseyside as an apprentice in 2016. I am now a Senior Programmes Executive, which means I am a point of contact for our applicants and offer support and advice where possible. I assess grant applications, manage some of our smaller funds and support the programme managers on larger funds.
Before starting my apprenticeship for Community Foundation, I attended sixth form at Mosslands school and had a part time job. I achieved highly in my GCSEs, getting a number qualifications. I have achieved a Business Administration qualification through the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce with the support of the Community Foundation.
My key interest outside of work would be that I have a passion for football as I like to both take part and watch -especially when it means I can socialise with my friends.
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications Manager
Originally from East Yorkshire, I moved to Merseyside in 1996 and loved the area so much I decided to stay! Having witnessed amazing regeneration and growth during my time here, I really wanted to work with organisations who were passionate about making a difference to the lives of others. Hence, I have held positions across private, public and charity sectors that have allowed me to do just that. I have previously worked as Marketing Manager at West Cheshire College and, most recently, Head of Marketing for the North West Air Ambulance Charity.
A marketing professional, with over 27 years' experience, I joined the Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside in January 2023.
My main goal is to ensure that businesses and communities across Merseyside and Lancashire understand what we do and are aware of the support available, as well as to highlight the amazing work that is being delivered across both regions.
I am operational lead for the Community Foundations' Programmes Team delivering a range of social investment programmes on behalf of donors and commissioners. I am responsible for co-ordination of the Programmes Team who are the point of contact for donors, assessing eligibility of funding applications, distributing funding awards and reviewing the impact of the projects and community organisations that we support.
I have been with the Community Foundations since 2008, originally starting in the Finance Team then moving to the Grants/Community Philanthropy Team. I previously worked within the legal sector and I have a LLB (Hons) Law Degree from the University of Central Lancashire.
I have worked on a wide variety of community funding programmes including local resident led grant-making such as the Fair Share Trust and Big Local, the national Santander SEDA programme for social enterprises, a fund for Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner and a Lancashire community fund for United Utilities. I manage grant programmes on behalf of individual, corporate and public sector donors.
Leadership
I am delighted to work for Community Foundation and bring a wealth of experience gained from working in the SME sector for over 25 years. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, I spent a further five years working in practice before moving into Industry. I have very much enjoyed working with a wide variety of small businesses, leading their finance function, either as a stand-alone Financial Controller or leading a small team, including four years as Head of Finance at a local charity and apprentice training centre North West Training Council.
I have always had a passion for charity work and spent seven years volunteering in my local Barnardo's shop in Chalfont St Peter before moving to Liverpool in 2005.
In 2011, I donated bone marrow to a seriously ill patient via the Anthony Nolan register. Since then I have both fundraised, completing the Great North Run and the London Marathon for them, and volunteered at recruitment drives to educate and sign up potential new donors. I continue to raising awareness through social media.
In my spare time, I love walking, reading true crime and biographies and spending time with my Fiancé and two Norfolk terriers, Benson and Gwen.
Job Titles:
- Senior Programmes Executive
I joined the Community Foundation in 2010, managing a project called YouthBank that engaged local young people in grant-making. I am now a Senior Programmes Executive, which means I am a point of contact for our applicants and offer support and advice where possible. I also assess grant applications, look after some of our smaller funds and support the programme managers on larger funds.
Prior to discovering the charity sector, I worked within the finance teams of two local retailers where my key role was cash office support. I graduated from the University of Central Lancashire in 2009 with a 2:1 Combined Honours degree in Law and Spanish. More recently, I completed a Proofreading and Editing course, passing with a distinction. I am also qualified in First Aid at Work.
As Chief Executive, I have overall responsibility for the strategic development, financial management and performance of the Foundation. Developing and building sustainable relationships with existing and potential donors, community groups, third sector members and regional stakeholders in the public and private sector.
I have over 30 years' senior management experience gained in both the private and public sector. During my career I have engaged in market development and business growth initiatives for Littlewoods Pools, Volvo Truck and Bus, Northwest Regional Development Agency, KPMG and Hill Dickinson LLP.
I have been involved in the successful delivery of change management initiatives, managed successful teams in the implementation of business development strategies for a broad base of sectors, influenced and won multi million pound investments from overseas multinationals including US Airways, Bertelsmann, Compal, JP Morgan and Bank of New York.
I studied Business and Finance at De Montfort University, CIM Diploma at Salford University and undertook a Harvard Business School Programme for Senior Management Executives.
I have always worked in finance roles since leaving school. I worked for NatWest Bank for nearly 10 years from when I was 16 years old. From 1996, I worked in various accounts departments for global insurance companies and also for insurance brokers within the Liverpool region until 2020.
I joined the team in 2022. My role as Senior Finance Executive is to provide daily support and assistance to the Finance Director, ensuring all funds and income received from donors is allocated correctly and accurately. I also aim to support the operational delivery of the Community Foundations Finance department and support the growth plans.
Outside of work, my main passion is to travel and enjoy holidays overseas. I also enjoy going on long walks with my husband and our Border Collie dog (we have recently got another puppy so can't wait for her to join us on our walks (!), and most Saturday afternoons are spent watching my son play football for his Saturday league team.