Sue Webber recognised as one of Swindon and Wiltshire’s Most Inspiring Women

We are delighted to share that our Trustee, the wonderful Sue Webber, has been named one of Swindon and Wiltshire’s Most Inspiring Women 2026 by The Business Exchange.

Sue is one of 22 women recognised across the county for doing good things, driving change, leading by example, and supporting those in need. The nomination follows more than five decades of dedicated support from Sue to countless local people and organisations, as she continuously works to strengthen the voluntary sector across Wiltshire and Swindon.

Her commitment to supporting the local community stretches back to the 1970s, when she was instrumental in establishing the Thamesdown Community Law Centre. Sue later served as Trustee and Vice Chair of Thamesdown Voluntary Service Centre, and has continued ever since to support local groups to grow stronger, equipping them with the skills, confidence and tools to measure and demonstrate the difference they make.

Sue has served as a Trustee with Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation for almost ten years and will step down later this year. During her time with us, she has played a pivotal role in shaping our grant-making and championing community organisations. As Chair of our Programme Delivery Committee and a valued member of several grant panels, Sue has helped inform often difficult funding decisions, always valuably contributing to panels both her vast knowledge of the voluntary sector, and her kindness, humility, and understanding.

When her son Dan sadly passed away, he had made provision in his will to set up the Dan Webber fund, which supports local projects so that more young people could experience the joy and challenge in physical activity. Sue, alongside members of her family and friends, took on the formidable Grindleford Goat in Derbyshire to raise extra money for the fund, completing “The Nanny” – a challenging 54km cycle route featuring the steep climbs of Monsal Head and Sheldon Bank. It was a powerful reflection of Sue’s resilience and determination, turning personal loss into meaningful support for others.

Reflecting on her nomination, Sue said: “I feel incredibly shocked, honoured and humbled to have been nominated as one of the most inspiring women in Swindon and Wiltshire. I have simply tried to play my part in supporting communities I care deeply about. The real inspiration lies in the volunteers and organisations who work tirelessly every day to make a difference.”

Sue was nominated by our Joint Chief Executives, Fiona Oliver and Vicky Hickey, in recognition of her exceptional contribution.

Vicky said: “I was immensely proud to nominate Sue as one of Swindon and Wiltshire’s Most Inspiring Women. Sue has supported local people and organisations in our county for over 50 years, and has constantly demonstrated kindness, passion, and humility within everything that she does. Not only has Sue helped shape a more resilient local voluntary sector, but she has led by example during her 10 years at the Foundation, demonstrating our core values on a day-to-day basis.

“I am completely in awe of Sue and what she has achieved, she is a quiet hero, making a difference to so many lives in the process.”