Staff

Caroline has been Chief Executive since January 2016, having worked at ECF since 2004, and is responsible for the day-to-day management, growth and development of the Foundation. Caroline holds a master’s degree in Philanthropy, Social Investment and Grantmaking from Cass Business School and a bachelor’s degree in Communications. She is also a Trustee of Friends Provident Foundation.

Catherine leads on all aspects of our finances and investments, our financial reporting and compliance and contact with our Investment Managers, Auditors and Bankers. She manages our HR functions, helping to ensure effective recruitment, retention and development of our staff. She services our Finance & Investment and Audit & Risk Committees. Catherine holds the ICAEW Diploma in Charity Accounting (DChA).

Tracy is responsible for processing the day-to-day finances of ECF and for managing the financial activities of our individual funds. She helps to prepare the annual audit, quarterly reporting and works with our Grants and Development teams ensuring they have the financial support they need. Tracy holds the MAAT AATQB qualification.

Matthew is our Finance Administrator, supporting the Finance Manager with day-to-day financial activity, particularly focussed upon income transactions, grant payments and banking. He has already completed AAT level 2 and is due to begin his AAT Level 3 Accounting studies soon, strengthening the Finance function within ECF.

Gavin brings nearly two decades of experience in funding, partnerships, and place-based programmes, with a passion for creating lasting change in communities through collaboration and strategic investment. As Director of Programmes and Partnerships, he leads ECF's grantmaking and partnership work, helping to connect philanthropy with the issues that matter most to communities across Essex. Before joining ECF, Gavin was Head of Funding Strategy at Save the Children UK and held leadership roles at St Mungo's and across the homelessness sector, where he developed programmes and partnerships designed to improve outcomes for people facing disadvantage.

Julia brings a background in policy, communications, and advocacy to ECF, with a passion for driving positive change through inclusive and impactful campaigns. Before joining us, Julia worked across the charity and advocacy sector, including at The Female Lead and the British Deaf Association, where she developed campaigns, strengthened partnerships, and amplified underrepresented voices through creative storytelling and strategic communications.

Perry is responsible for introducing the Foundation’s work to a wide audience of individuals, companies and professional advisers. He joined ECF from the Lord’s Taverners, the London-based youth cricket and disability sports charity, where he headed up the Corporate Fundraising team for five years. Before this, Perry was Business Development Manager at Essex Cricket.

Jesse brings experience in digital media, marketing, and community engagement to ECF, with a passion for telling local stories and showcasing the impact of charitable giving across Essex. As Marketing Manager, she leads ECF's marketing activity, developing campaigns and communications that raise awareness of the Foundation's work and strengthen engagement across the county. Before joining ECF, Jesse worked at Adult Community Learning Essex within Essex County Council and has also held roles with Essex Book Festival and Space NK. Proudly from Essex, she is committed to championing local communities and celebrating the difference philanthropy makes.

Niamh joined ECF at the end of October 2025 and brings a strong corporate background in project administration, coordination, and team leadership, combined with a passion for supporting others and the community. As the Fund Development Admin Officer Niamh is assisting the Fund Development and Marketing Team in striving towards making a lasting and impactful change with ECF.

Jo ensures that all aspects of ECF’s work are effectively communicated to a wide audience, across different media. She works directly with our fundholders and grant recipients to publicise their work across the county, produces our annual review and manages all of the Foundation’s events.

Gemma joined ECF as our Grants and Stewardship Admin Officer In October 2025. Gemma supports the grants team with day-to-day administration, welcomes visitors to the Foundation Hub, and works alongside the Head of Stewardship to build strong relationships with our fundholders and donors. Before joining ECF, Gemma worked as a freelance administrator, providing administrative and event management support to small businesses, charities, and entrepreneurs.

Steve is responsible for ensuring that our processes, systems and facilities operate effectively and maximise productivity. He develops and leads projects on operational improvements and manages our support functions and premises to ensure a high level of service to all our stakeholders.

Dee has years’ of PA experience in both public and private sectors. She provides business support to the CEO, Head of Development and wider senior management team.

Zoe helps to deliver on all aspects of the Foundation's grantmaking, including advising potential funding applicants, assessing applications and preparing information for consideration by our fundholders.

Adeola joined ECF in May 2022. He works in the grants team to advise potential applicants, assess funding requests and put these to our fundholders for decisions. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from Queen Mary, University of London. Prior to joining ECF, he worked for Do It Now Now, an organisation focused on the empowerment of Black communities in the UK where he served as an external grant assessor.

Lisa joined ECF in 2015. Sheworks within the grants team processing applications and leads on our funding for individuals.

Frankie joined the Foundation as part of the 2027 Talent Programme. She works within the grants team, advising local charities and assessing grant applications. Prior to this, she completed her Master’s degree in NGO and Development Management at the University of East London.

Maria joined us in May 2023 and provides administrative support to our busy grants team. She also welcomes people to our community space, the 'Foundation Hub', ensuring this runs efficiently.