Government Announces Creation of Five Unitary Councils in Essex
2nd April 2026
The Government has announced the creation of 5 unitary councils in Essex, Southend-on-Sea, and Thurrock, and partners are now progressing further into the planning and structural changes shaping Greater Essex.
To create a civil society that truly reflects local community needs, it is crucial that the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector is recognised as a core partner, involved in genuine partnership in the design and delivery of services, and supported through sustained long-term investment in local communities.
Watch this space for exciting updates on how we can work together to build a strong and thriving Greater Essex.
Picture taken from BBC News Website
Essex Welcomes its 846th High Sheriff
31st March 2026
Essex has officially welcomed its new High Sheriff, as Susannah (Susie) Dutton takes up one of the oldest civic roles in the country, bringing a fresh, community-focused approach to a tradition that dates back nearly 1,000 years.
The appointment marks a particularly special moment for Susie, who becomes the 846th High Sheriff of Essex and whose family has a remarkable history with the role. She follows in the footsteps of eight of her ancestors who have previously served as High Sheriff of Essex, including her grandfather, William Douglas Gosling, in 1958.
“I was enormously honoured to be asked to become High Sheriff,” said Susie. “It was fascinating to discover the long family connection, and while I do feel a little daunted, I’m incredibly excited to get out and meet the amazing people across Essex.”
Since 1997, Essex Community Foundation (ECF) has worked closely with successive High Sheriffs, supporting their efforts to recognise the work of charities, community groups and volunteers.
A key part of this partnership is the High Sheriff’s Fund, which raises money for initiatives that reduce crime and promote community safety. To date, the Fund has awarded more than £800,000 in grants to organisations across the county.
“Working with Essex Community Foundation will highlight the breadth of organisations doing vital work,” Susie said. “Essex is a large and diverse county, with beautiful rural areas but also places facing real challenges. I’m looking forward to discovering more and supporting those making a difference.”
With a background in education and over 20 years as a school governor, Susie is particularly passionate about encouraging young people to engage with their communities.
“Volunteering has been a huge part of my life,” she said. “I’d love to inspire young people to make space for it too. It can have such a positive impact on mental health and gives a real sense of perspective.”
She also plans to shine a light on issues such as education in prisons and domestic violence, having been struck by the scale of challenges facing communities.
“After speaking with the police, I was concerned to hear that domestic violence accounts for around one in five crimes in Essex. These are the kinds of issues where awareness and support are so important.”
Susie takes over the role from Julie Fosh DL, continuing the growing representation of women in what was historically a male-dominated role.
Last year’s High Sheriff, Julie Fosh DL, hands over the role to Susannah Dutton at the official Declaration Service held in the Council Chamber at County Hall in Chelmsford.
Her year of office will include a programme of visits, events and fundraising activities, including plans for a summer tea party and woodland walk to support the High Sheriff’s Fund.
“I’ve seen first-hand how meaningful it is when people are recognised for the good they do,” she said. “If I can encourage and support even more people during my year, I’ll feel I’ve made a difference.”
The importance of the role was highlighted at the recent High Sheriff’s Community Safety Awards, where 29 charities received certificates, trophies and grants totalling £162,000.
The prestigious High Sheriff’s Shield was awarded to Chelmsford-based charity, Kids Inspire, for its work in Essex supporting vulnerable children and young people.
Born and raised in Essex, Susie brings a deep personal connection to the county she now serves.
“There is such a strong sense of community here. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to the year ahead.”
As she begins her tenure, Susie Dutton is set to combine tradition with a modern, people-focused approach, championing volunteers, supporting communities and continuing a legacy that has shaped Essex for centuries.
To make a donation to the High Sheriffs’ Fund and support support Susie during her year, click here.
To find out more about the High Sheriffs’ Fund, visit our Fundholders page or call us on 01245 355947.
Are You Maximising the Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving?
26th March 2026
Charitable giving is often driven by generosity, purpose, and a desire to make a difference. But what many individuals do not realise is that, when structured effectively, giving can also unlock significant tax advantages for both the donor and the charity.
Despite this, many people miss out on relief they are fully entitled to.
Why This Matters
Across the financial and advisory space, one theme consistently emerges. Charitable donations are often under optimised from a tax perspective.
This is not about changing the intent behind giving. It is about ensuring that generosity works harder.
With the right advice, the same donation can go further.
What the Experts Are Seeing
As highlighted by Graham Doubtfire of Scrutton Bland:
“At Scrutton Bland a big focus for us is working with our clients which often means asking some questions. It is surprising how often we find that clients have made charitable donations in the past but have never been asked the question by their Tax Adviser and therefore claimed the tax relief they are entitled to. Donations made under Gift Aid for a higher rate taxpayer can mean an extra £25.00 for the charity for every £100.00 gifted, and a credit against their tax liability of £25.00 for the donor meaning £125.00 for the charity costs them £75.00 after tax relief.
Gift Aid donations can also be a really useful tool when an unexpected income tax liability arises. With care a Gift Aid donation can be carried back one tax year so for some clients they calculate the donation to be made once a draft tax return has been prepared.
Many individuals are also surprised what the impact of the reduction in the rate of Inheritance Tax from 40% to 36% where 10% of the taxable estate is gifted to charity actually means. Once the calculations are worked through, as an example, if the charity received £100,000 extra, the beneficiaries of the estate receive £24,000 less, meaning that £74,000 of the donation is funded by a reduction in the amount of Inheritance Tax paid. This becomes a far more attractive planning prospect when you consider the combined savings of not only 40% saved on the charitable gift itself, but also a 4% saving on the inheritance tax on rest of the estate. Care is needed to ensure that an individuals will is correctly structured to achieve this.”
Key Takeaways
1. Gift Aid is more powerful than many realise
It boosts the charity’s income and reduces your tax liability, meaning greater impact at a lower net cost.
2. Timing can be strategic
Carrying donations back to a previous tax year can help manage unexpected tax bills.
3. Inheritance Tax planning can transform giving
Leaving 10 percent of your estate to charity can reduce the overall tax rate and increase the efficiency of your donation.
Taking the Next Step
Charitable giving will always be about purpose first. With the right advice, it can also be smarter, more strategic, and more impactful for everyone involved.
If you are considering making a charitable gift, your professional adviser should be able to support you in understanding the tax implications. If you do not currently have an adviser, we may be able to provide details of local firms who could assist, as we are unable to offer this regulated advice directly.
If you are thinking about making a donation to ECF, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you, or your professional adviser, about how we can help you achieve your charitable wishes.
Please contact Perry Norton on 01245 355947 or email perry@essexcf.org.uk.
Alternatively, visit our website “Give to your community” page to donate or find out more.
A reminder that the tax deadline of 5 April falls on a Sunday this year, just before the bank holiday period. If you would like your donation to be included in this year’s allowance, we recommend making it by Thursday 2 April.
Get in touch today to ensure you do not miss the deadline and maximise the impact of your giving.
Introducing Our New Vice Presidents
24th March 2026
We are delighted to announce the appointment of three new Vice Presidents, recognising their outstanding contributions to ECF and their long-standing commitment to the communities we serve across Essex.
The Vice President role is an honorary position, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to our mission and values. As ambassadors for the Foundation, our Vice Presidents play an important role in championing local philanthropy, strengthening partnerships and supporting efforts to improve the lives of people and communities across Essex.
Our newly appointed Vice Presidents each bring a wealth of experience and a long-standing connection to the Foundation.
Sandra Hollis served as a Trustee of ECF for eight years, during which time she was an active member of the Fund Development Committee. Alongside her contribution to the Foundation, Sandra has built a distinguished career in strategic business development and marketing, managing global relationships with some of the world’s largest banks and brokers. She has also held senior leadership roles in higher education, including serving as Pro Vice-Chancellor at Anglia Ruskin University
Nick Alston CBE DL stepped down in November 2025 after six years as Chair and eight years overall as a Trustee at ECF, handing over to current Chair Atul Manek. Nick was previously elected as Essex’s first Police and Crime Commissioner in 2012 and went on to serve as High Sheriff of Essex in 2022/23. He continues his public and voluntary service work Vice Chair of Governors at Anglia Ruskin University and Chair of the Essex-based drug and alcohol recovery charity Open Road.
Simon Hall MBE DL also served as a Trustee of ECF for the full term of eight years until 2025, bringing significant governance expertise and a deep understanding of the charitable sector. A qualified solicitor, Simon spent many years as a partner at international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, where he led the Finance Practice and oversaw global corporate responsibility programmes. He is a Deputy Lieutenant of Essex and continues to support a number of organisations as a trustee of several Essex-based charities
As we continue our work to connect people who care with causes that matter, the support and advocacy of our Vice Presidents will remain an important part of our success, drawing on their collective experience and their extensive knowledge across different areas of industry, civic society and the voluntary sector.
Together, these appointments reflect our deep appreciation for the time and valued insight and each individual has given to ECF and the wider community in Essex. Their continued involvement as Vice Presidents will help to strengthen our reach, influence and ability to respond to local need.
You can view the full list of all our Vice Presidents here.
In Honour of Angela Marks
20th March 2026
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Angela Marks died peacefully at home on 14 March 2026, aged 90. Angela and her late husband, Ian, founded ECF 30 years ago following the sale of their family business, Trebor Confectionery. Their long‑standing philanthropy and love for Essex inspired them to create a community foundation that would give back to the place that had supported their family’s success.
Angela cared profoundly about Essex and was committed to helping local people and organisations. She frequently spoke with our grants team, always eager to understand where support was most needed. She was a dedicated supporter of the Chelmsford Counselling Centre, offering both her time and her counselling expertise. Angela held a deep interest in issues affecting children, young people, those experiencing domestic abuse, and, of course, the continued growth of Essex Community Foundation.
A Rare Opportunity: Be a part of shaping the future for communities across Essex
9th March 2026
We are excited to announce a new opportunity to join ECF as our Director of Programmes & Partnerships, a senior leadership role that will help shape the future of communities across Essex, joining a charitable organisation that believes strongly in the power of community and works every day to connect generosity with local action.
This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in delivering our 2030 Strategy, strengthening the voluntary and community sector, and ensuring local people and organisations in Essex have the support they need to thrive.
Leading Programmes, Partnerships and Impact
Working closely with our Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, the Director of Programmes & Partnerships will:
- Lead our grant‑making and strategic programmes
- Develop and steward influential partnerships
- Ensure ECF’s funding is impactful, well‑governed and responsive to community need
- Oversee a high‑profile portfolio of grants and programmes
- Strengthen relationships with voluntary organisations, public sector partners, trusts, foundations and philanthropists
A core part of the role will be ensuring resources are allocated thoughtfully and designed to deliver meaningful, measurable change across the county.
Delivering on Ambition
As the largest independent funder in Essex, ECF works with philanthropists, donors and partners to distribute around £4 million in grants every year, supporting grassroots organisations making a real difference.
Our 2030 Strategy sets out a bold ambition:
To invest a further £30 million into Essex’s voluntary and community sector by 2030, whilst strengthening our role as a trusted partner, advocate and convenor.
Read our 2030 Strategy – Here.
The Director of Programmes & Partnerships will be instrumental in turning this ambition into reality.
Championing Essex’s Voluntary Sector
Using insight from our grant‑making, partnerships and research, the Director will help lead credible advocacy that:
- Demonstrates the social and economic value of the voluntary sector
- Elevates local voices
- Supports a shared, long‑term vision for Essex
Essex is entering a period of significant transformation. Local government reform and devolution are reshaping the way services are delivered, while voluntary and community organisations continue to respond to complex social challenges and support residents across the county.
Alongside leading grant making and programmes, the Director will help amplify the voice and value of the voluntary and community sector.
A Role for a Collaborative, Purpose‑Driven Leader
We are seeking a leader who brings humility, purpose and care to their work. Someone who listens deeply to communities, builds trusted relationships, and inspires colleagues, partners and funders.
By grounding our work in community learning and evidence, we aim to not only support organisations today, but also contribute to sustainable, long‑term change.
Apply Now
Help shape the future for communities across Essex.
If you are passionate about strengthening communities, building meaningful partnerships and delivering impactful funding programmes, we would love to hear from you.
For full role details and to apply for this opportunity visit our recruitment site – here.
Applications close 11:59pm on Monday 6 April 2026.