Previously to working for GCF, I’ve had a rich career in business, working in senior roles for the last 25 years and co-founding three businesses. I managed to do this while living in the middle of rural Cotswolds, so I had years of commuting to London and driving around the UK, to finally wanting to work in my own community and that’s when GCF came along. Now I live and work across the whole of Gloucestershire and I love it.

My business career started in the exciting fast paced retail sector, at the time of the high street boom. Working for the iconic founders Karen and Kevin Millen, we grew the business to over 150 stores globally. I started as a mid level manager and progressed to developing the outlet retail strategy UK wide, then fast forward to being responsible for 30 stores, £35 Million t/o and 300 staff, as well as being responsible for new store rollouts across the UK. In between continuous leadership growth, I completed an MBA at Oxford Brooks University. Towards the end of my MBA, the founders sold the business, so I was part of the leadership team that managed the acquisition and merger. My 20K word dissertation, which included 50 interviews conducted across the business from the shop floor up, was presented to the board on how to best manage this process.

Time for a change and to focus on family. So my husband a property developer and I, bought a run down old Grade 11 Listed Star building in the middle of Burford High St, which hadn’t traded as a 10 bedroom inn for 16 years. So we restored and reopened this building as a brand new hotel and restaurant offer, The Highway Inn was born. We successfully ran this for 8 years, winning many awards, and even national recognition, most importantly I was able to look after my grand mother until the end of her life.

Owning a local business was also a great opportunity to give back to my family and the local community, for example, I was given no option but to become the president of the local WI, as numbers had declined it would have closed, so I think I was one of the youngest in the whole county at that point, but I raised the numbers up from 15-55 and now it’s going strong until this day, celebrating over 100 years of operating in the town.

Once we sold the business, onto some consultancy work, helping lots of local businesses with various operational projects, but soon missed being part of a team, so I went back into a national senior role in retail and business development. I was brought in by the CEO to turn around a major luxury interiors brand, to address all issues of operations, people and profit, in order that the founders could find a buyer in two years. This was a challenging but an exciting journey and we successfully sold in two years.

However, retail and all that is associated with consumerism and the plight of the planet, I felt I needed more purpose. I had no idea that the enjoyment of giving back in my private life, would become my day job, but it has and I can honestly say I have found my calling, I have found a guilt free job, surrounded by people who really care about who we serve and are truly passionate about Gloucestershire.

Sarah has worked in the charity sector for more than 20 years.

Coming to the role of Grants Manager from a background in prospect research and trust & grant fundraising, I like to think that I have empathy and insight into the challenges faced by organisations applying for funding.  Flexibility, accessibility, trust, transparency and kindness are key to the way I like to work with the organisations we serve.

I live in Gloucestershire and love to enjoy our beautiful countryside when I’m not working

Sarah has worked in the charity sector for over 20 years. She has worked for GCF for over 10 years, providing Finance support. Sarah has two jobs; as well as working for GCF she also works for Quartet Community Foundation.

My previous roles have all been financial ones, including with a major bank and in the construction industry. In 2004 I made a life changing decision to move across to the charity sector, joining Quartet Community Foundation as its Finance Officer. I love working for a community foundation and I was delighted to start work for GCF as their Finance Manager.

I have a creative side too and I enjoy needlework. I’m part of a family of sports lovers – football, swimming and athletics – although my involvement is mostly as a spectator!

Helen has worked with a variety of grassroots and national charities over the last twenty years both in the UK and overseas.

Having been a fundraiser, campaigner, trustee, administrator, projector manager, capacity-builder, researcher, strategic planning advisor and washer-upper, I like to think that I have a rounded understanding of many different aspects of working in the charity sector. I am fascinated by the different ways that people come together to make life better. I enjoy hearing about the myriad of inspiring plans that people are making to create stronger communities across Gloucestershire. When not at work,  I’m often on my bike!  

Lucy has worked in the charity sector for over 15 years; managing an international development charity in Zambia before returning to her childhood roots in Gloucestershire.

Having worked for different organisations in both the private and third sector I have learnt that whilst planning and structure is important; flexibility, empathy and good communication are key to developing long lasting relationships with all stakeholders. I am constantly inspired by the many brilliant charities in Gloucestershire and the amazing work they do to support our local communities. 

When I’m not working, my passion is gardening, come rain or shine!

Janet Trotter was born in Kent where she was educated and, after training, taught for eight years. She is a frequent visitor to Canterbury, and has a property at Stelling Minnis. Janet retired as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Gloucestershire in 2006.

She has served on the Higher Education Funding Council for England and on the Teacher Training Agency and was a Senior Inspector of Theological Colleges and Courses.  Janet was also involved in the NHS in various non-executive capacities and was Chair of the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from 2002 until 2010.

As well as being President of the Gloucestershire Community Foundation, Dame Janet is also involved in Carers Gloucestershire and Age UK Gloucestershire, and is Chair of Trustees at The Nelson Trust.

Dame Janet was awarded an OBE in 1991 and a DBE in 2001 and was Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire from 2006 – 2018.

Following a lengthy and expensive education Henry has farmed in the Cotswolds for all his adult life. He is a committed countryman with an interest and enthusiasm for the countryside and rural life. By way of a distraction from his own farming he is a trustee of three large estates, chairs the Trustees at Rendcomb College, and is a past president of the Country Land & Business Association. In the past has chaired the Deer Initiative and been a Commissioner for Income Tax, and is currently on the board of Natural England. He has been a Deputy Lieutenant for Gloucestershire since 2005.

Henry is a trustee for GCF during his term as the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire. He is also a trustee of the Hawk and Owl Trust, reflecting his lifelong addiction to falconry, which has been his passion throughout the winter months since leaving school. He and his wife started The National Collection of Rambler Roses which keeps both of them busy over the summer months. It also raises a useful amount of money for Cancer charities, which is a cause dear to both of them.

Despite no discernible talent for sport, Henry continues to play tennis and cricket, from which he derives enormous pleasure, despite very little tangible success at either.

He is married to the long-suffering Susie, and they have three children who are nearly as grown up as they think they are. At the time of writing they have four grandchildren, who are not at all grown up.

Most recently he became the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire for 2023-2024.

Charlie is a Respiratory Consultant at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and works across hospital and community settings in Gloucestershire.  He works closely with the CCG in developing new pathways and is particularly interested in embedding the voluntary and community sector into the evolving Integrated Care System in Gloucestershire.  He is completing an MBA through the Senior Leaders programme supported by the hospital trust.

Charlie has been involved with Community Foundations for more than 10 years, initially in Bristol and now in Gloucestershire and has always viewed the role of effective and evidence based philanthropy as central to supporting communities.  His free time is divided between wrangling young sons and running long distances.

Jamie was appointed QC in 1995, Circuit Judge in 2003, and has recently retired as the Resident Judge of Gloucester following 15 years in charge of the Gloucestershire Crown Court.

He has a specific interest in the development of young people, especially those who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

He is Patron of the Stroud Court community (a home for autistic adults), Governor of Gloucester Academy, trustee of the Nelson Trust, member of the Grocer’s Company and a member of the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire.

Jane Tufnell began her financial career in 1986 having graduated from Cambridge. She managed small company exposure for the NatWest pension fund before co founding Ruffer Investment Management in 1994. She retired from Ruffer in 2015 and has since taken on a portfolio of non executive positions in financial companies. Jane is also enjoying her current position as the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire for 2021-22.

She is married to Mark, lives in Gloucestershire and has four children.

Tracy is CEO of Young Gloucestershire (YG) and Infobuzz (IB), two local charities seeking to help people realise their potential and overcome challenges they are facing in their lives.

Tracy is a JNC qualified youth worker with MBA and CIPFA qualifications.  She has been in Gloucestershire for 8 years, moving from the north to work for YG.

When not at work Tracey is keen to be in the outdoors, running, kayaking or surfing.

Geoff is a seasoned professional with a rich background in business scaling, spanning various sectors, from SMEs to FTSE 100 listed companies. With extensive international commercial experience in areas such as Telecoms, IT, Utilities, Finance, Construction and latterly Hospitality Geoff brings a wealth of knowledge and connections to the table. He also serves as an executive coach to several business owners and leaders. His expertise extends to guiding individuals and their teams, fostering both personal and professional development, and enhancing the growth of their businesses.

Currently, Geoff is spearheading the creation of a vibrant community hub in Gloucestershire where his tenure as the managing director at Gloucester Brewery has extended his impactful work within the local community. Proactively engaging with local businesses, organisations and charities, Geoff has facilitated an environment that fosters connections and encourages thriving collaboration within the community.

As a dedicated trustee with GCF, Geoff expands his charitable endeavours, reflecting his passion for helping others. He also serves as a progression mentor with The Princes Trust, as well as leading, facilitating and participating in other impactful local fundraising initiatives.

Outside of work, Geoff is a committed family man.  He enjoys nothing more than spending time socialising with friends and his wider family.  In his leisure moments, Geoff can be found enthusiastically cheering for his son at rugby matches, embracing the outdoors with his wife during their runs accompanied by their loyal companion Barney, or cherishing precious moments with his daughters. His curiosity and love for exploring different cultures are evident in his travels across Europe, where he particularly enjoys savouring local cuisines and beers.

Geoff’s dedication to community building, paired with his extensive professional expertise and charitable spirit, makes him a valuable asset as a trustee, contributing significantly to the endeavours of GCF and the county of Gloucestershire. 

Esme is Deputy Manager of the Cavern in Gloucester where she is driven by a sense of community support that is desperately needed for vulnerable individuals and to create a space where everyone is safe and respected.

Esme graduated from the University of Westminster, earning a degree in Politics and International relations and has worked for several charities that specialise in a range of issues including domestic abuse, universal credit disputes and rough sleeping.

Esme aims to be a positive, powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ community in Gloucester and beyond.

Richard became Chief Finance Officer of the sustainable bank Triodos Bank UK Ltd in May 2019, having joined the business in April 2018 as Head of Finance. He was previously Head of Financial Management for the Banking and Commercial Property divisions of Nationwide Building Society and subsequently led the finance team for the unsecured lending business of Bank of Ireland UK.  Before moving into Financial Services, Richard held a number of senior finance roles in the energy industry, in the UK and Germany. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, holds a joint US and European MBA and also an Economics degree.

In his leadership role for a sustainable bank, Richard leverages his experience in financial and treasury management, strategy development and governance to support Triodos’s mission to help create a society that protects and promotes quality of life and human dignity for all.  Richard brings this experience and desire to help others into his active contribution as a trustee of GCF.

Claire is a freelance CSR consultant, with a marketing background and experience of working in the private, public and charitable sectors. 

She grew up in the Cotswolds, and was a young farmer, and ex farmers wife, she began her career working in the world of packaging design. Working for law firm Coodes Solicitors to develop their marketing strategy, she created the Cornwall 100 club, a philanthropic club for local businesses, in partnership with Cornwall Community Foundation.

Passionate about local economy Claire is a volunteer on the board of Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce and has replicated the Large Enterprise Action Group for the town, along with Together Gloucestershire which was created to encourage local procurement, reduce carbon working closely with Cirencester Chamber and FSB.   Cheltenham Board of Culture also asked her to sit on their board. 

She is a regular contributor to Radio Gloucestershire, Cotswolds radio and continues to volunteer in her local community, and deliver speeches at events, lecturing to university students and wrote for the Cotswold Style Magazine for several years till it was closed down. 

Outside of work she is a country girl, living in a little market town, with her terrier, and her horse (currently turned away due to injury) and loves to cook for all her friends!!! 

Matthew retired from his business career as a turnaround professional in 2020, having fulfilled several roles as CEO of US corporate and private equity owned manufacturing businesses. With a business degree he previously worked for blue chip FMCG companies both in the UK and Europe. 

He has since developed a close interest in working with local community charities, providing pro bono management consultancy and mentoring advice. Additionally, in his role at the Prince’s Trust he supports young people who want to get into work and with business start-ups. 

He has three adult children and when not spending time with them enjoys playing tennis, getting out on his bike (in good weather only!) and hill and coast walking. 

Jonathan is the Group Finance Director and Company Secretary at Robert Hitchins Limited.  He brings considerable experience of finance, property and employment issues to the board.

Kate works at SGS College as Head of Funding and Audit Compliance and has spent 30 years working within the funding and further education sector.  She works closely with the funding authorities, ensuring the colleges curriculum plan aligns to local strategy and is compliant with all funding regulations. Kate recently set up SGS Create, a new full-time provision for young people aged 14-16 for whom mainstream education is not right for them, maybe due to neurodiversity, SEMH needs or bullying. 

 Kate has been involved with many community organisations over the years managing large projects up to the value of £10million, such as the Families Action Program across the South West, which focused on providing support and resources to deprived families who face barriers to health, education and employment. 

 Kate has lived in Gloucestershire all her life.