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 to 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 country at that point, but I raised the membership 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!

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.

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 was the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire for 2023-2024.

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.

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.

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.

Esme has worked with the community of Gloucester for several years. Esme was Deputy Manager of the Cavern in Gloucester, where she was driven by an overwhelming desire to support those most vulnerable. Before this role she worked at The Nelson Trust in Gloucester, a charity that supports those in recovery.

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 Executive Officer of Bath Building Society in March 2024, after joining the Society as Chief Financial Officer and Board member in 2022.  Richard was previously Chief Financial Officer at Triodos Bank and Head of Financial Management for the Banking division of Nationwide Building Society.  Richard is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and holds an International MBA. In his spare time Richard enjoys travelling, reading and sports, including cycling and trail running.

As a trustee of the Gloucestershire Community Foundation since 2020 he chairs the Finance & Investment Committee.  Richard brings his strategic and financial expertise to help GCF deliver on behalf of its beneficiaries.

Claire is a freelance CSR and Social Value consultant with a marketing background and experience of working in the private, public and charitable sectors. After a spell delivering Social Value for a well known construction business, she is now focused on supporting charities and businesses with not only their CSR but also helping to deliver impactful and authentic Social Value.

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 on the board of Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce.  Most recently she worked with FSB, and Cirencester Chamber to create Together Gloucestershire. TG has been created to encourage heads of procurement to procure locally – even more important to ensure we create shorter more resilient supply chains, reduce carbon and deliver on Social Value.

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. 

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. 

Since graduating from Cambridge in 1981, Ian spent a few years in the wine trade before beginning a 40 year career in racecourse management, this including roles at Aintree and as Managing Director of Arena Leisure, a number of non-executive appointments and most recently running Cheltenham Racecourse for the past 12 years.

Ian retired from Cheltenham and The Jockey Club in early 2025 and remains a Patron of World Horse Welfare.

Ian is married to Jean and lives outside Oxford. He has two children both working in London and enjoys playing tennis.

Emma has over 30 years of experience in the third sector in Gloucestershire – spanning conservation, mental health, social care, and education. She is currently the CEO of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, a charity that connects people with trees for environmental and wellbeing benefits. The Friends charity is both a fundraising and grant-giving organisation, as well as generating income through membership and retail. Prior to this, Emma was CEO of Gloucestershire Counselling Service for 9 years and developed strong partnerships across both the statutory and voluntary sector.

Emma is passionate about charity governance and recently completed her tenure as a Trustee of the Gloucestershire VCS Alliance, and in 2022 completed an MBA from the University of Gloucestershire which has further equipped her with strategic and financial acumen to support charitable governance effectively.

In her spare time, Emma enjoys the outdoors, hiking with her dog, visiting her 3 children at their respective University’s or enjoying Jazz.

After a corporate career in financial services, at board level, Gary set up a family business covering several sectors including residential electricity switching, Genal Insurance and Legal services, all based in Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Married with 4 grown up children, Gary is still a keen sportsman playing tennis and watching Gloucester rugby. He has and lived in Gloucestershire for over 30 years and is keen in giving back to the local communities whatever help and support he can offer.

With over 20 years of experience in corporate digital marketing across Australia and the UK, Jess has worked with iconic brands such as Coca-Cola, Dyson, and Samsung. Her career has spanned every facet of digital—from ecommerce and website optimisation to analytics and paid media—giving Jess a deep, strategic understanding of how digital can drive growth and engagement.

Deeply passionate about using data to inform smart decisions, she thrives on helping organisations prioritise their efforts to deliver the best possible outcomes. She loves the creative challenge of telling compelling brand stories—crafting narratives that resonate with consumers and businesses, and ultimately drive meaningful connections.

Jess is excited to bring her corporate expertise into the not-for-profit sector for the first time and energised by the opportunity to use her skills to make a difference and support causes that matter.
She lives in the Cotswolds with her family and cares deeply about her local community—both in spirit and in action.

Joe is the Education Sales and Partnerships Manager at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, where he is responsible for national sales strategy and key account partnerships across the education sector. Based in Cheltenham, his work focuses on raising digital capabilities across schools, colleges, training providers, and employers, including public sector organisations such as the Ministry of Defence.

He has a background in strategic sales, stakeholder engagement, and digital skills development, and holds an MBA from the University of Gloucestershire. Prior to joining BCS, Joe spent over a decade developing and delivering education and employment programmes across Gloucestershire, supporting young people and adults to re-engage with education, employment and training.

A former Scotland Rugby League international, he is now involved in grassroots sport and coaches the Great British Pioneers Rugby League Team. Outside of coaching, he enjoys hiking and outdoor pursuits around the UK and is currently 100 miles into walking the South West Coast Path.