Essex Community Foundation Welcomes Gavin Benn as New Director of Programmes and Partnerships

19th June 2026

ECF is delighted to announce the appointment of Gavin Benn as our new Director of Programmes & Partnerships, a key role that will strengthen our ability to drive change across Essex. 

Gavin brings nearly two decades of national experience leading place-based programmes, building cross-sector partnerships, and shaping funding strategy. Throughout his career, he has focused on connecting grantmaking with policy influence and systems change, working alongside partners to create measurable impact within communities. 

Most recently as Head of Funding Strategy at Save the Children UK, Gavin led work across community investment, place-based delivery and national funding strategy, helping to shape programmes that connect local insight with national influence. His earlier leadership roles at St Mungo’s and across the homelessness sector saw him oversee frontline services and partnerships designed to improve outcomes for people facing deep disadvantage. 

Gavin brings a strong track record in building the kind of trusted, enduring partnerships that enable organisations and communities to grow their own power and ambition. His commitment to Essex and to the people and places that make up our county reflects the values at the heart of this role. 

Caroline Taylor, CEO of Essex Community Foundation, said: 

“Gavin was the standout candidate in a strong field, and we were unanimous in our decision. He brings exactly the combination we were looking for: exceptional delivery capability, national strategic expertise, and the relational leadership that our work demands. We are excited about the experience, ambition and perspective Gavin will bring to this role, and I look forward to working with him to strengthen our impact across Essex.” 

Gavin Benn said: 

“Essex Community Foundation’s commitment to place-based working, genuine partnership, and lasting community impact is exactly where I want to direct my energy. I am looking forward to working alongside an outstanding team, strengthening relationships with partners and funders, and helping shape programmes that create real change for communities across Essex. I am proud to be joining an organisation whose values so closely match my own.” 

Gavin joins ECF at an important moment for the Foundation, and we are confident that his leadership will support the next stage of our work with communities across Essex. We look forward to introducing him across our network in the coming weeks. 

We’re Launching a New Network for the Next Generation of Private Advisors in Essex

22nd April 2026

We’re excited to launch the Next Gen Essex Private Client Network — a new community created specifically for emerging and newly qualified Professional Advisors across Essex.

The network offers opportunities to grow your professional network, collaborate with peers and spark new ideas, while exploring how philanthropy can strengthen client relationships and support long‑term career growth across the county.

Building on ECF’s long‑standing work with Professional Advisors through established events and partnerships, this new network creates a dedicated space for those earlier in their careers to connect, share experiences and develop meaningful professional relationships.

Open to professionals working across legal, financial planning, accountancy and related sectors, the network brings together advisors at a similar stage in their careers through engaging events, shared insight and valuable new connections.

What the network offers:

• Relaxed, informal networking events
• Opportunities to grow a strong peer network across Essex
• Industry‑led sessions focused on philanthropy and career development
• Relevant news, insights and updates to support your practice

Jesse Farrer, Marketing Manager, said:

“Essex Community Foundation has always been brilliant at bringing people together, so creating a network for the next generation of Professional Advisors feels like a natural next step. We’ve seen the value that strong professional networks can bring, and there is so much talent coming through Essex. This network is about creating lasting connections and offering something that genuinely supports advisors at this stage of their careers.”

Alongside networking opportunities, members will also have the chance to exchange ideas and explore how philanthropy and charitable insight can add real, long‑term value to client relationships.

Get Involved

Newly qualified Professional Advisors interested in joining the Next Gen Essex Private Client Network can register their interest below to receive the latest updates, events and opportunities.

Register Your Interest Here

Join our LinkedIn group to stay connected, continue conversations and grow your network online.

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.