Our people

As a team we are passionately committed to working to connect people who care with causes that matter to enable more people across Wiltshire and Swindon to thrive

Staff

Victoria Hickey

Joint Chief Executive

Victoria Hickey

Joint Chief Executive

My role is to jointly lead and manage the organisation with Fiona, ensuring we achieve our current ambitious 5-year strategy to deliver £10m of investment into local communities by March 2025. My background is in finance, which naturally leads me to focus on the organisation’s finances, including investments, audit, risk, and operational effectiveness.

In addition to my love of all things “finance”, I am passionate about ensuring people have the tools and knowledge they need to perform at their very best and to succeed. We have a great team at the Community Foundation, and I am very proud to be part of it. I feel honoured to work in an organisation which puts people first and dedicates itself to make a real difference to the people and communities in the county I love. It really is something very special.

My career started in 1997 in Swindon when I joined Allied Dubar as an accountancy trainee straight after getting my A-level results. I qualified as an accountant in 2004, whilst working in the Management Accounts team at Zurich Financial Services. I left to pursue a career in theatre Finance spending the next 6 years in Oxford and Woking in the theatre divisions of Clear Channel Entertainment, Live Nation Entertainment and Ambassador Theatre Group. In 2011 I became a mum and spent two years at home with my son, before joining the Community Foundation in 2013 as their Finance Manager. I became the Foundation’s Director of Finance & Operations in 2018 and Joint Chief Executive in 2020.

In 2023 I became a trustee of Wiltshire Creative, the arts organisation which creates and presents the energy and ambition of Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury International Arts Festival and Salisbury Playhouse. I also enjoy playing netball in a social league and I’m the team captain of the Devizes Vixens! One of my favourite places in Wiltshire is Poulshot Village Green, where I spent many a childhood weekend watching my dad play cricket and helping my mum serve cricket teas.

Fiona Oliver

Joint Chief Executive

Fiona Oliver

Joint Chief Executive

I joined Wiltshire Community Foundation in August 2017 as the Head of Development, became Director of Development and Marketing in 2018 and was appointed as Joint Chief Executive alongside Vicky Hickey in March 2020.

I have been lucky enough to work in the public sector, private sector and owned my own textiles business but my most rewarding experience has been in the charity sector. I was a member of the Senior Management Team for international charity, Hope and Homes for Children, leading on the development of their organisational strategy and connecting funders and supporters to the incredible work of their programmes across the world. Children belong in families not orphanages and for 10 years this was my focus. It took a special role to lure me away from something that I was so committed to, but supporting the local voluntary sector in my home county and inspiring people to give, captured my imagination and inspired me to jump. The drive across Salisbury Plain to Devizes was an added bonus!

There’s so much about my role that I find rewarding and working as part of an incredibly talented and dedicated team is such a privilege. I love shining a light on the endlessly inspiring work of our local voluntary sector and connecting people who care with causes that matter. I love learning more about what motivates our fund holders and donors to give and thinking of ways in which we can support their charitable giving to be even more effective.

I am so proud that over the last four years, Wiltshire Community Foundation has doubled its grant-making and we are on track to deliver at least £10million of investment to support local communities and help people through our education programmes. The launch of our Women and Girls Fund is also a key milestone and as a Trustee of the Friends of North Dorset Women’s Refuge, I am committed to ending violence against women and girls and helping to make our county the safest and most equitable place to live and work in the UK.

Ben Ayers

Finance Assistant

Ben Ayers

Finance Assistant

I joined Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation in June 2025 as a Finance Assistant.

In my role, I support the finance team with the daily running of the finance side, as well as with any projects within the company. I’ve also started my AAT training to become a qualified accountant. My previous positions have been finance-based, but as an administrative level. I’m looking forward to learning & growing alongside the Community Foundation!

I’ve lived in Swindon my entire life, I can’t believe the amount of charitable work which is done in the area which doesn’t get the recognition it deserves or needs. It’s brilliant knowing that the work I’m doing is for the benefit of people doing so much amazing work.

When I’m not at work I’m a big combat sports fan - if there’s a local event, I’m sure to be going! If I'm not, I’m often dog sitting. I also enjoy playing Pokémon Go with my brother in either Swindon or Swansea.

Joanne Brady

Philanthropy Director

Joanne Brady

Philanthropy Director

I joined WCF in May 2016 and as Philanthropy Director my main responsibilities involve developing lasting relationships with new and potential donors, building their awareness of and helping them connect with local charities and their causes. Previously I worked at Macmillan Cancer Support and prior to that I spent 20 years working as an Organisational Development Consultant, helping a wide range of client organisations improve their performance through their people. I love working for WCF because I have the opportunity to make a difference to small, local charities that may not have a similar level of capacity, funding or budget as high-profile charities do.

Margaret Firth

Director of Partnerships

Margaret Firth

Director of Partnerships

My current role as Director of Partnerships is about creating and enhancing connections, learning from others, sharing insight, and convening Networks that strengthen and enhance local connections. I am passionate about making the most of collaborative relationships and feel it is through our engagement with community organisations and our statutory partners that we learn where and how we can have greatest impact. I do my best to ensure we are well connected and informed, I have fingers in many pies, seeking insight to understand local needs, challenges and priorities. My work helps inform Wiltshire Community Foundation's philanthropic activities and our grant-making across Wiltshire and Swindon.

I joined the Foundation staff team in June 2018, prior to working here, I had volunteered with the Foundation for about five years on grants panels and the policy committee. With some freelance charity consultancy, and volunteer roles as a Trustee, as a member of BBC Children in Need’s South West Committee and in my current role on the Bath Women Fund’s Grants Group - I have been lucky to have worked with charities, and voluntary groups in a variety of ways! In the Cabinet Office, I was the South West Voluntary Sector Policy Lead, and prior to this at the Government Office for the South West, I led the delivery of government voluntary sector and community programmes and policy outreach across the south west. My introduction to the civil service, was to lead the Home Office’s South West Research Team. The first ten years or so of my career were as a research in the private sector, though I changed direction on doing a Masters in Urban Regeneration, specialising in deliberative democracy and community engagement, this steered me into the public sector, first to Southwark Council and then into the civil service.

A northerner and then a Londoner but having lived in Wiltshire for about 20 years, it’s now definitely home! I thrive when on the footpaths of Wiltshire, and love to explore new walking routes, when I can, I hike in mountains too, I also love to swim and ski, my other passion is pottery, mostly hand-building.

Nicola Hillier

Grants Manager

Nicola Hillier

Grants Manager

As Grants Officer, I work closely with the Grants Programme Director, Grant Administrator and Finance team to develop, support and administer our grant making programme. I provide guidance and assistance to potential applicants, set up new grant programmes and develop online grant application forms and monitor groups at the end of their grant period. The most rewarding and enjoyable part of the role is talking to groups and seeing the amazing community work that is taking place across the county. Before I came to WCF, I spent 12 years at Wiltshire Council as a Childcare Workforce Development Officer. I’m a mother of two, an active member of a local running club!.

Karen Hobbs

Grants Manager

Karen Hobbs

Grants Manager

I joined the foundation in April 2019, coming from a background in social work, I wanted to use my professional skills to support voluntary organisations, I understand the crucial part they play in supporting communities and individuals. In my role I review the grant applications, provide advice and support alongside monitoring the progress and outcomes of our programmes. I love speaking to the infinitely passionate and dedicated, staff, trustees and volunteers from the groups we fund and support and come away feeling completely inspired by them.

I get to enjoy Wiltshire with my two daughters, and I have now lived here since 2000 and I can now almost consider myself a local. In my moments of quiet, I enjoy a bit of mindful crafting, museum/art gallery visits and spending time with friends.

Heather Kiel

Programme Director

Heather Kiel

Programme Director

I joined WCF in June 2023 as Programme Director. Along with my brilliant team (and working closely with our colleagues in Development and Finance), we run the grants programmes benefiting individuals and groups in Wiltshire and Swindon. It is vital to me that our programmes are informed by the needs and aspirations of local people and groups, and that we are rigorous in assessing and reporting back on how our support helps communities to thrive. So, I love meeting the many groups across the county that are making a difference, listening to their challenges and solutions and designing programmes that can support their work. I am also grateful for the many opportunities for collaboration and learning that the job brings, particularly with the volunteers and networks that give their time and expertise to assist our team, from assessing applications to developing new programmes.

I started my career in campaigning, firstly with Oxfam and then Amnesty International, in London. Later I moved into funding and grant management in international development. A move back to the Southwest in 2002 gave me the opportunity to manage an EU funded LEADER+ grants programme benefiting grass roots groups in Dorset. I then worked for 10 years finding funding, firstly for an international children’s rights NGO and then a rural development NGO for East Africa. Most recently, I managed another large EU funded project providing grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency measures for businesses, community groups and public sector organisations across the county of Dorset.

I’m so pleased to be working for Wiltshire Community Foundation, in the county that I was born and raised, and where most of my family are from, over many generations.

Kat Lazenby

Youth Partnership Development Manager

Kat Lazenby

Youth Partnership Development Manager

I started my role as Youth Partnership Development Manager in July 2025. My role is to help build closer collaboration between organisations providing services for young people in Wiltshire and Swindon. The aim is to strengthen the youth sector through responding to their needs and priorities and, in turn, enhance youth provision across Wiltshire and Swindon.

I’ve worked in the charity sector for over 18 years, starting out in youth, schools, and housing roles before moving into fundraising and development. Before joining WSCF, I was Fundraising Manager at Mentoring Plus, a youth work charity in Bath & North East Somerset, and at YMCA Brunel Group. I also set up a small charity providing mentoring and coaching for young people in supported accommodation.

I truly believe that a collaborative response is the way to develop and strengthen youth provision, and I love being able to think strategically and work alongside others who share the same commitment.

Hannah Leigh

Finance Manager

Hannah Leigh

Finance Manager

I trained as a chartered accountant in 2001 and soon started working in industry. In 2016 I moved to work in the education sector as finance manager for a Wiltshire secondary school, eventually working in a trust of seven schools across the county. I really enjoyed my time working in schools as I knew my work made a difference to the children in the schools. This is why I wanted to work for Wiltshire Community Foundation as it is helping the community in which I live and love.

I have lived in Wiltshire since 2010 and in my spare time I enjoy getting outdoors into the Wiltshire countryside with my family or heading further afield in our VW campervan.

I am passionate about environmental issues and try to minimise my family’s footprint on the planet even if I don’t always do that well! I also spend a lot of time cooking at home and volunteering at Devizes Rugby club where my two boys play rugby.

Beth Maughan

Head of Marketing and Communications

Beth Maughan

Head of Marketing and Communications

I have been working with Wiltshire Community Foundation since 2017 and was delighted to become a permanent member of the team in 2021.

As Head of Marketing and Communications, I raise awareness of the role the Foundation plays in connecting people, organisations and businesses that want to support their local community with the brilliant grassroots groups and charities tackling the most pressing needs and issues in Wiltshire and Swindon.

It is brilliant to have a job that directly impacts the area where I live. Every day I get to see how the work the Foundation does and the actions of the inspiring people we work with helps to improve lives and build stronger communities across our county and that is a real privilege.

Chloe Mead

Data and Operations Officer

Chloe Mead

Data and Operations Officer

As Data and Operations Officer, I provide operational support to the team and work with colleagues across the organisation to strengthen how we collect, manage and use data.

My role helps to ensure we can maximise the value of our data and make data-informed decisions. Since joining Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation, I’ve been inspired by the many local people and community groups working tirelessly to tackle disadvantage and hardship across the county. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of an organisation that plays a role in supporting this vital work.

Born and raised in Wiltshire, I graduated from the University of Surrey with a BSc (Hons) Criminology degree, during which time I had the opportunity to undertake a nine-month study abroad placement in Orlando, Florida. When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, baking, spending time with my dogs and getting out in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.

Nathan Philpott

Marketing and Communications Assistant

Nathan Philpott

Marketing and Communications Assistant

I joined Wiltshire Community Foundation in June 2024, as Marketing and Communications Assistant.

Within this role, I support the Head of Marketing and Communications with the day-to-day running of the Foundation’s social media channels and internal and external communications, such as press releases, amongst other tasks. I am delighted to be a part of such a friendly, skilled, and professional environment.

Prior to this, I graduated from the University of Portsmouth in July 2023 with a First Class BA(Hons) degree in Journalism, and a Gold Standard NCTJ Diploma, which I am extremely proud of. I am looking forward to further developing and utilising the skills from my education in a working capacity.

I have previously worked for Swindon Town Community Foundation on a part-time basis between 2017-2023. Here, I was able to see first-hand how much of an impact organisations within the third sector has on the local community. During my second year at university, I chose to produce a piece of coursework promoting the club’s foundation. It was then when I realised that I wanted to expand on this enjoyment accumulated from combining my love for communications and the local community on a full-time basis. I was so excited to apply for this role, as it allows me to do exactly that.

Outside of work, I enjoy watching and playing football, and socialising with my friends and family. I am also a massive Star Wars fan!

Megan Pitman

Operations Manager

Megan Pitman

Operations Manager

My role is to ensure we have the people, resources, culture, processes, and systems in place so that we can deliver our strategic goals, work effectively and have a passionate and happy team. I love knowing that even the smallest changes operationally mean that Wiltshire Community Foundation can do more and go further with our work.

Previously, I worked for five years at a national charity working directly with beneficiaries, before making a switch to a digital agency calling on my pre-charity experience. Realising nothing beats the feeling of being part of an organisation that has the opportunity to make a difference for those who need it most, I returned to the charity sector and joined Wiltshire Community Foundation in October 2020.

I grew up in rural Wiltshire before moving closer to Salisbury. I have so many happy memories of growing up in Wiltshire; from always being out in the countryside to attending carol concerts in Salisbury Cathedral. I am proud to work for an organisation that supports people living in my own community and I am committed to being part of positive change for the county now and in the future.

Karen Pugh

Grants Administrator

Karen Pugh

Grants Administrator

I started working at WCF in April 2018, and as Grants Administrator my role is to provide admin support to the Grants Team. This varies from inputting information from application forms onto our system to assisting with the smooth running of our grants workshops. I really enjoy knowing that my work makes a positive impact on people or to organisations. I have an extremely diverse background; I have worked as a teacher of English as a foreign language (TEFL) in China, Mexico, Turkey and Italy. I have worked in admin roles for the probation service, the Diocese of Hereford and for a business dealing in international aircraft leasing and repairs. This is my first job in the charity sector.

Oliver Selfe

Philanthropy Director

Oliver Selfe

Philanthropy Director

I joined the organisation in March 2024, having spent the previous 5-years as Chief Executive Officer at Wiltshire County Football Association. My career has been predominately spent in the not-for-profit and third sector, having held leadership roles for The English Football Association, and British Universities and Colleges Sport, creating strategies to enhance participation in the education sector and grassroots football.

I was attracted to the Philanthrophy Director role at Wiltshire Community Foundation, as I could see it was an opportunity to continue to make a difference to people and communities, something I feel very passionate about and which I have grown to develop a strong advocacy for community cohesion. I have been fortunate to work in environments where I have been able to witness firsthand the impact that can be made when likeminded people, who share a common desire to do good, work together for the benefit of the community.

I believe strongly that shared values, and collaboration are key factors to community cohesion, and I have experienced this many times, none more so than during my time at Wiltshire County Football Association, where I lead the organisation through a period of significant change, with a company relocation, construction of a new HQ and a new strategy for grassroots football. The Green Lane Playing Fields is a £1.7m football facility in Devizes, which during the planning, construction, and delivery phases, required local partners to rally together, create a call to action, secure investment, and pool resources to deliver an outstanding new football hub for the whole community.

I am very excited about being able to use some of the skills and experiences I have acquired over the past 23-years in the sport and leisure sector, to support Wilshire Community Foundation in achieving the organisations vision, which is to see more people thriving across Wiltshire and Swindon.

As Philanthropy Director I hope to inspire the same collaboration, to encourage people to give, whilst matching their giving to the right groups for the greatest local impact. I feel very privileged to be able to work every day, knowing that I am supporting the local community, in the County where my family live and that we love so much.

When I’m not at Wiltshire Community Foundation, you can probably find me riding my mountain bike in the beautiful Wiltshire Countryside.

Pip Wall

Finance Assistant

Pip Wall

Finance Assistant

As Finance Assistant, I support the Finance Department in managing, processing and troubleshooting various accounts and transactions. I like all aspects of my job especially that each task has a specific end point and so can be ticked off the to-do list! I studied Plant Biology at Leicester University before going on to study for my PhD. In 1995, I started working at what was Allied Dunbar, now Zurich Financial Services, where I trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Here I was also the chair of the Finance Charity Committee and we ran a number of events to raise money for local community projects. These included a ‘Stars in their Eyes’ show and a number of three-legged pub crawls around Bath, Bristol and Cheltenham!

Johanna Banks

Grants Officer

Johanna Banks

Grants Officer

As Team Administrator, my role is to provide cross-functional support to the other teams in Wiltshire Community Foundation helping them to work effectively. The role is varied and one day it will be all about finance, the next about people and culture and the next about processes. It’s this variety that I love and knowing that I’m helping enable our teams to make a real difference to the local groups working within our communities. My work background is similarly diverse with the last 15 years spent in different organisations in the local voluntary sector in both client-facing and infrastructure roles with a strong focus on volunteering and communications. Before that I was a Business Consultant in a large financial organisation working at both a strategic and operational level. I have experience in retail and hospitality management, have spent time on sabbatical working on an organic farm in South America, as a language assistant in a French school and travelling in Australia. Outside of work, my passions lie in environmental conservation and volunteering and I’ve generally got one or more volunteer roles on the go, either in my local community or for a local charity. My other passions are my two dogs and evenings and weekends can be taken up with some kind of dog sport, whether that be agility, scentwork or mantrailing which is great for getting me out and about in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.

Trustees

Mark Barnett

Chair

Mark Barnett

Chair

Mark joined as a trustee in September 2021 but has been a fundholder, along with his wife Melanie, since 2015 and has also been a grants panel member.

He was Chief Operating Officer of The Consortium in Trowbridge for 12 years until he and Melanie set up Responsible Homes, a housing company in Chippenham that helps tenants buy their own property, in 2018.

Mark is also a trustee of the Doorway Project in Chippenham.

Damian Haasjes

Joint Vice Chair

Damian Haasjes

Joint Vice Chair

Damian has lived and worked in Wiltshire for over 20 years and although born and raised in Australia, he loves living in the UK (except when England beat Australia in the Ashes). Damian has linked in with Community Foundation throughout his working life but became a funding panel member 3 years ago. He has a background in education, youth work and residential social work, giving him a great understanding of the needs of children, young people and families in Wiltshire and Swindon.

Damian lives in Devizes and currently works with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, managing their adult wellbeing work and education provision. He is a keen walker and golfer, whose enthusiasm greatly outweighs his skill. He sits on the a number of groups including the Wiltshire Children and Families Voluntary Sector Forum, the Youth Offending Service Board and was the chair of Mid-Wiltshire Scouts for 13 years.

Lisa Lewis

Joint Vice Chair

Lisa Lewis

Joint Vice Chair

Lisa lives in Chippenham and is married with two grown-up sons. She was involved with the charity Doorway in Chippenham, which works with the homeless and vulnerably housed, for 13 years, nine of them as Chief Executive. During her time with Doorway, she built up an extensive knowledge of all aspects of running a charity, as well as gaining expertise of the issues surrounding homelessness, including mental health, the welfare system and social isolation.

She joined the Foundation as a trustee because she wanted to give something back after our support for Doorway and also to champion the fantastic work of other community groups throughout the county.

Junab Ali

Trustee

Junab Ali

Trustee

Junab was appointed as Trustee in September 2020. He is a Parish Councillor and former Mayor of Swindon. His mayoral year provided him with a unique insight into the voluntary and charitable sector locally and fuelled his determination to become a champion for local groups. He was drawn to take up a role on the board of Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation because of the reach we have across Swindon and Wiltshire.

Junab runs his own electrical contracting business in Swindon and is married to Rajhia and has three children. He is a non-executive director of Business West and has stood as an MP in Devizes and as an MEP in the South West. He is also a school governor, a member of Rotary, a member of the Wiltshire FA’s Independent Advisory Group and vice-chairman of the Wiltshire Police Crime Panel.

Alison Bradley

Trustee

Alison Bradley

Trustee

Alison joined us as a Trustee in July 2025, having lived in the area since 2012, first in Swindon and, since 2020, in Salisbury. She brings an education perspective from her career of almost 40 years working as a teacher, headteacher, local authority adviser and one of His Majesty’s Inspectors. Central to that work, whatever the context, has been championing the communities most in need of the best education. Having taken early retirement in August 2023, Alison was not ready to slow down just yet. She was keen to give something back to the area she now calls ‘home’ and to put her knowledge, experience and skills to good use. She also continues to work as a self-employed education consultant and is a trustee of The YOU Trust.

David Coombs

Trustee

David Coombs

Trustee

David was appointed trustee in May 2022. He is a fund manager and is currently Head of Multi-Asset investments at Rathbones Group, based in London. He has over 38 years’ experience in the financial services industry.

While living in Guernsey, Channel Islands, he chaired local fund-raising committees for the Leonard Cheshire Home Foundation and NSPCC. He also sat on the Barings Charitable Trust Grants Committee.

David lives in Purton near Swindon.

Karen Davis

Trustee

Karen Davis

Trustee

Karen discovered Wiltshire in 1994 when she moved here for work. She now lives in Marlborough, and is actively involved in the community mostly though sports clubs and church.

Karen joined the trustees in July 2025 following completion of a Masters degree in Philanthropy, Grant Making and Social Investment in 2024, learning she hopes to put to good use at the Foundation.

She is currently CEO of Young Carers Development Trust, a charity working with Young Carers to enable them to succeed in education and achieve their ambitions. She has first hand experience of understanding the positive difference community foundations make to small local groups. Previously Karen was Chief Financial Officer of Excalibur Academies Trust, and worked with many schools in Swindon and East Wiltshire.

Tessa Hibbert

Trustee

Tessa Hibbert

Trustee

Tessa is Head of Grants at an independent grant making foundation, focused on young people. After starting her career in fundraising for national organisations, she went on to develop her skills in the youth sector through a series of roles with youth charities and as an independent consultant. She has worked in grant making for 12 years and brings extensive experience in the sector, which she hopes to develop through the Foundation. Living on the Wiltshire/ Somerset border, she is keen to develop her ties locally and loves hiking through the Wiltshire trails. She loves supporting the voluntary sector and making a difference to communities.

Charles Hobhouse

Trustee

Charles Hobhouse

Trustee

Charles Hobhouse lives and works on his family’s wildlife friendly farming Estate near Bradford-on-Avon. He was High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 2021 and worked alongside the Foundation on a few occasions. He applied to be a trustee because he is keen to support the Foundation’s championing of small charities working hard for the benefit of others around Wiltshire and Swindon.

He was recently Chairman of the Wiltshire Country Landowners Branch and is Chair of St. Katherine’s Chapel Almshouses in Bradford-on-Avon. He is an Ambassador for Alabare Christian Care & Support and the Armed Forces Equine Charity. He is also a Patron of The Friends of Erlestoke Prison.

Oliver Jones-Davies

Trustee

Oliver Jones-Davies

Trustee

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Angus Macpherson

Trustee

Angus Macpherson

Trustee

Angus lives in Wroughton and is married with two adult children and three granddaughters. His association with the Foundation started when, as a Chartered Accountant, he was appointed Treasurer in 2006. Subsequently, he became a trustee for many years, rejoining the board in 2019.

He served as the Police & Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire from 2012 to 2021. He has acquired an extensive knowledge of the community/ voluntary sector in the county, as well as the needs of its residents. He was a governor of Dauntsey’s & Stonar Schools and is a trustee of The Filling Station (Swindon).

Samantha O'Sullivan

Trustee

Samantha O'Sullivan

Trustee

Content coming soon.

Jules Peck

Trustee

Jules Peck

Trustee

Jules has worked for 35 years advising governments, companies, social enterprises and charities on sustainable development. He is an advisor to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, a board member of Ethex and The Cycle and is founder and Ned of a regional mutual bank in the making for our region Avon Mutual.

Jules lives in Wiltshire near Bradford on Avon and grew up on the downs in Calstone.

Denis Twomey

Trustee

Denis Twomey

Trustee

Denis was born in Salisbury and always dreamed of working in theatre, something which was enabled by the Foundation as a recipient of the University Bursary scheme. Having graduated in Stage Management, Denis forged a career in Commercial touring theatre but found he missed the West Country a little bit too much! Denis then pivoted life somewhat and now works as a Project Manager specialising in large-scale engineering and construction projects - something which allows him to draw upon his existing skillset and ironically isn't too far removed from theatre.

With a more structured schedule Denis was able to join the Foundation’s Education Panel in 2019, bringing with him both extensive experience of working with children and adults with complex ASC & SEMH needs and his unique insight as a previous grant recipient. The ability to give back to the same panel that enabled Denis to go to university is something he is particularly proud of and was delighted at the opportunity to further increase this support for the Foundation by joining the Board in 2023.

Sue Webber

Trustee

Sue Webber

Trustee

Sue Webber has over 50 years of experience with community groups and voluntary organisations and knows how important external funding is in supporting people to make a difference to the causes they feel passionate about. Sue also understands how positive it is for businesses and individuals to be able help fund organisations locally.

Sue has lived in Swindon since 1973 and has worked with a wide range of groups to develop by training people in the skills they need to be effective and to measure the difference they are making. Sue sees the Foundation as a vital support in this work.

Elizabeth Webbe

Trustee

Elizabeth Webbe

Trustee

Elizabeth is a solicitor and was previously a trustee of Wiltshire Community Foundation from September 2008 to October 2017 before being asked to become an Ambassador. Elizabeth is very pleased to return to the trustee body and brings with her experience of other trusteeships, both private and charitable, she was the Governor of a boarding school and is involved in various local organisations in different capacities. Elizabeth lives in North Wiltshire but also has a presence in the South of the county which helps to enable her to promote the work of the Foundation as far as possible.

David Wray

Trustee

David Wray

Trustee

David first became aware of the work of the Foundation when he was Chair of Swindon Therapy Centre for MS as they were supported by us. When he retired after 30 years with Nationwide and became CEO of Voluntary Action Swindon became more involved becoming a member of one of our grants panel in 2013 and subsequently joining the Grants Policy Committee. He is a strong advocate of the Foundation and has spoken on our behalf at conferences. He became a trustee in 2019.

David has significant experience in the voluntary and community sector. He has also been Chair of School Governors, Chair and Treasurer of his Village Hall, Chair of a regional Neurological Charity and Chair of MSNTC a national MS Charity.

Patrons

Dame Sarah Troughton DCVO

Patron

Dame Sarah Troughton DCVO

Patron

Dame Sarah Troughton DCVO became our Patron in 2012 following her appointment as Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire. Prior to becoming our Patron, Dame Sarah was a trustee of the Foundation from April 2004 until May 2012.

John Rendell

Patron

John Rendell

Patron

John was appointed as a Patron in 2024. He is currently a fundholder and has been involved with the Foundation for over 35 years, including a period as a Trustee from 2000 until 2012.

He grew up on a farm in Southwest Wiltshire and holds a strong connection with the county. He studied at Bristol University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant, going on to work in London and overseas for 14 years before returning to Wiltshire in the 1980s. He now works as a private investor and was also previously a governor at Dauntsey’s school. John has hands on experience as a carer, and is also a supporter of Community First, Julia’s House Hospice and Dorothy House Hospice.

John highlighted the permanence of Wiltshire Community Foundation as a feature that he has particularly liked ever since he was introduced to the charity in 1989. He is pleased and honoured to be asked to become a Patron of the Foundation.

Dame Elizabeth Neville DBE QPM DL

Patron

Dame Elizabeth Neville DBE QPM DL

Patron

Dame Elizabeth is fundholder and became a Patron of Wiltshire Community Foundation in 2024. She has a long association with the Foundation, having raised funds for its High Sheriff’s fund during her year as High Sheriff from 2010 to 2011. She then was a trustee from 2011 to 2020.

She served in every rank in four different police forces until she came to Wiltshire on appointment as Chief Constable in 1997, a post she held until 2004. She lived in Devizes and moved to a village near Salisbury in 2014. With her countywide responsibilities, both as Chief Constable and High Sheriff, she has developed a great love for Wiltshire. Dame Elizabeth participated in the formation of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and was then a trustee and has been a school governor at Stonar School in Atworth. She is currently a Deputy Lieutenant.

Dame Elizabeth considers that the Community Foundation is an outstanding organisation which brings huge value to the county. She feels very privileged to be a Patron.

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Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation, Sandcliff House, 21 Northgate Street, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 1JT

Copyright © 2020 The Community Foundation for Wiltshire & Swindon. All rights reserved. The Community Foundation for Wiltshire & Swindon is a registered charity in England and Wales. Registered charity no. 1123126. Company Ltd by guarantee no. 6504318.