Thompson Smith and Puxon launches charitable fund for Essex communities
8th May 2025
Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) has created a permanent charitable fund, strengthening the firm’s long-standing support for good causes in Colchester and Clacton, where TSP has offices. The newly created Thompson Smith and Puxon Foundation will be managed by us.
TSP has a strong history of supporting local causes, raising funds for various charities, including St Helena Hospice and Brantham Church, and sponsoring community initiatives such as the Colchester WheelPower Sports Festival. However, the firm wanted to take its efforts further and create a lasting legacy.
Lawyers are often closely involved with local charities due to the extent to which they are embedded in the local community. Through their capacity as trusted personal advisers, lawyers have a wide knowledge and deep understanding of the local community. This is particularly pertinent for a firm like Thompson Smith and Puxon who have a highly regarded private client practice which supports clients with succession and legacy planning.
Many of the solicitors and legal professionals at TSP are already trustees of charities because of their passion for giving back. By becoming involved with the ECF, TSP can upscale its efforts over the long-term.
Fiona Ashworth, Partner at TSP, added: “The Thompson Smith and Puxon Foundation is an extension of our charitable giving. Over the years, we’ve aimed to give back to local communities and celebrate local heroes. The Foundation allows us to continue this work on a long-term basis and establish a legacy in its own right.
“Our thanks go to Essex Community Foundation for supporting us in setting up and managing the Foundation. We look forward to working with them and making a meaningful impact by supporting local charitable projects.”
Sean Stuttaford, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Since 1879 we have served clients in Essex. The new fund lets us put something lasting back into the communities where we live and work. By working with ECF we can target grants to local projects that improve daily life.”
Established in 1879, Thompson Smith and Puxon has a rich history in Colchester. For 130 years, the firm operated from a Grade II listed building on North Hill, formerly part of Le Cateau Barracks. A major restoration in 2013 prompted a rebrand and relocation to its current offices on Stable Road.
The Thompson Smith and Puxon Foundation marks a new chapter in the firm’s longstanding dedication to community support, reinforcing its commitment to making a lasting difference in Essex.
Caroline Taylor, Chief Executive at ECF, commented, “We have a strong working relationship with TSP built over many years and through the establishment of charitable funds set up by clients and legacies from wills and estates.
“It is great that the firm has taken this step to embed a culture of giving into the ethos of their business. It is a difficult time for many local charities and voluntary groups as they struggle to pay their running costs and deliver their work, so this commitment from TSP to provide long-term support will be very welcome.”
If you would like to establish a charitable fund in the name of your business or family, contact Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF on 01245 355947 to have a discussion.
Building Caring Communities
6th May 2025
Why Essex’s new vision needs the voluntary sector.
Thriving communities are not defined by the absence of problems, but by their ability to respond to challenges swiftly, locally, and with care. That belief is at the heart of the Caring Communities Report, published by the Essex Caring Communities Commission.
Launched by Essex County Council, the Commission set out the long-standing challenges in health and social care, while proposing a bold shift: to move from reactive services to preventative, community-led solutions. The report’s ambition is clear, it calls for a systemic rethink of how care is delivered, putting people, communities, and place at the centre.
Andy Payne Worpole, our Director of Policy and Programmes, was one of the key speakers at a recent Essex County Council Caring Communities event exploring the report’s findings.
The event was chaired by Cllr Beverley Egan and Cllr Kevin Bentley from Essex County Council, with contributions from Andy Haldane (Royal Society of Arts), Pam Donnelly, CEO of Colchester City Council, Tom Abel (Mid & South Essex Integrated Care Board), Kerry Clancy-Horner MBE, Head of Youth Practice at The Children’s Society.
Andy issued a rallying call for deeper collaboration, greater investment, and a renewed trust in civil society to lead transformation from the ground up.
He said, “Public services are stretched, and demand is rising. Despite best efforts, traditional models are no longer sustainable. It’s time to build new systems rooted in the community.”
A Collective Challenge, A Shared Opportunity
Since its inception in 2024, the Commission has undertaken extensive research and consultation. The report sets out a clear direction of travel. It also confronts the looming structural changes linked to devolution and local government reform in Greater Essex.
While we were not part of the Commission, we were invited to review the report and respond from a voluntary and community sector (VCS) perspective.
“The Caring Communities Report issues a timely challenge,” Andy said. “It envisions care built on relationships, not transactions. It pushes for solutions designed with communities, underpinned by sustained, local investment.”
The Voluntary Sector: Central but strained
Essex is home to an estimated 5,000 VCSE organisations, supported by 17,500 staff and around 95,000 volunteers. These organisations form the social infrastructure that underpins public wellbeing, often responding faster and more flexibly than statutory services.
Yet, the sector is under pressure:
- One-third of organisations are relying on reserves.
- 40% have diverted funds from innovation and workforce development.
- 85% of larger groups report that budget constraints are stifling creativity.
“The sector is ready to lead, but it needs recognition and resourcing,” Andy warned. “Communities need the space to innovate, take risks and plan for the long term, not just respond in crisis mode.”
ECF’s Strategic Response
At Essex Community Foundation, this vision is already shaping its funding strategy. As an independent grantmaker, ECF is focusing on three pillars:
- Sustainability – through increased core and multi-year funding for community organisations.
- Recognition – championing the voluntary sector as a key delivery partner in reducing strain on statutory services.
- Investment – unlocking innovation, prevention, and systemic change aligned with the Commission’s vision.
This approach reflects a growing recognition across the philanthropic and funding landscape: that bold action is needed to protect and grow community assets.
From Reform to Transformation
Devolution presents both uncertainty and opportunity. Andy stressed that structural reform must be more than a bureaucratic shuffle, it must embed community voice at every stage of design and delivery.
“Let’s not waste this moment,” he said. “If we’re serious about care, we must be serious about community.”
He highlighted recent local examples of impact, including CHESS Homeless in Chelmsford, which has delivered 24 new homes for people facing homelessness and safe spaces where residents feel valued and connected.
“This wasn’t done by waiting for permission,” Andy added. “It was driven by belief, partnership and philanthropy.”
A Call to Action
The Commission’s work is just the beginning.
Andy said, “We need to act now. The Caring Communities Report is a roadmap. The voluntary and community sector is already building the future it describes. Let’s trust our communities and give them the tools to lead the way.”
Read Andy’s full presentation here.
Inspiring local giving in Southend
22nd April 2025
Around 50 invited guests and private client advisers joined us for a networking event held at Porters Civic House & Mayoral Parlour, to raise awareness of the Southend Community Fund and the importance of local giving.
The Southend Community Fund was established by Howard Briggs when he was Mayor of Southend in 2003, along with his long-time friend Peter Croysdill. Their ambition was to encourage donations and legacies from local people and businesses to provide a long-term source of funding to support charities and voluntary groups working in Southend-on-Sea.
To date, the Fund has awarded grants totalling over £500,000 to groups that are providing support to people of all ages and are tackling issues that include help for the elderly, activities for young people, support for carers, services for people who are homeless or struggling with poor mental health and those who have disabilities, as well as community spaces and events.
Among the many charities that have received support from the Fund are Chalkwell Lifeguards to buy life-saving equipment, the One Love Project, a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable people, and Southend YMCA providing practical help and advice to young people.
David Hurst DL, Chair of the Southend Community Fund, talked about his ‘Big Hairy Audacious Goal’, to raise £10 million into the Fund, by encouraging people and businesses to think about their community and how they can help to make a difference.
Entrepreneur and MasterChef UK 2023 finalist, Anurag Aggarwal, also gave an inspiring speech about his journey to success, as he forges his new career in food. He also provided delicious catering for the guests.
Our thanks to Rathbones Charity Investment Management, for sponsoring the event and endorsing the benefits of working with Community Foundations.
If you want to make a donation or leave a legacy to the Southend Community Fund or to the community where you live, call Perry Norton on 01245 355947 or email perry@essexcf.org.uk.
How to give to the Southend Community Fund:
- Make a donation online
- Send a cheque made payable to the Southend Community Fund to Essex Community Foundation, 3 Hoffmanns Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1GU
- Consider making the Southend Community Fund a beneficiary in your Will. Call ECF for more information on 01245 35594 or find out more here
Julie Fosh becomes the 845th High Sheriff of Essex
Becoming the new High Sheriff of Essex is a challenge that Julie Fosh is more than happy to take up – for the second time.
She says she feels “hugely privileged” to be the 845th person to be appointed to the role and is looking forward to using the position to give encouragement and support to people throughout the county.
Unusually, this is Julie’s second time in the role as her previous tenure between 2020-2021 was impacted due to the country-wide restrictions from the COVID pandemic.
She said, “It was a challenging time for us as many of our plans had to be postponed or cancelled, but we made the best of it. We were creative, using social media, Zoom and FaceTime to hold virtual meetings and connect with people and voluntary groups, but it wasn’t quite the experience I had hoped. When I was offered the opportunity to have another term, I was only too pleased to say yes.”
Essex-born Julie, a former deputy head teacher who lives in North Fambridge on the Dengie Peninsula, was appointed during a traditional ceremony held in the Essex County Council chambers on 7 April, with around 100 guests in attendance.
Julie and her two sisters were very close to their mother, Joy Rogers, who sadly died in December 2021 aged 94. Joy and Julie were among the founder members of the Maldon group of Essex Knitters and Stitchers and Julie is hopeful that her planned High Sheriff’s Garden Party, postponed in her first term, can take place in July, where one of the attractions will be a display of items made by the group. 
During her year, Julie is also planning an event to raise money for the High Sheriffs’ Fund, which is managed through us. The fund gives grants annually to community initiatives to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and promote community safety.
Since the Fund came under our management in 1997, the High Sheriffs’ Fund has distributed grants totalling over half a million pounds to local voluntary and community organisations.
As a former teacher Julie has always been aware of the issues facing young people. Since retiring from teaching ten years ago she has become involved with several voluntary organisations, including the Essex Youth Trust and the Essex Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs, which has reinforced her determination to help young people.
She said: “I had a modest upbringing myself and went to a comprehensive school. I was one of three girls, and we were lucky enough to have parents who believed in all of us and encouraged us to achieve our ambitions. I wanted to do physics, and they did not question this, although at that time it was thought of as being a subject for boys.
“When I was teaching at the Cecil Jones College in Southend a lot of my time was spent encouraging students and helping them to believe they could do what they wanted to do.
“My passion continues to be to raise the aspirations of young people, recognising the vital importance of positive role models in their lives. In my year as High Sheriff my priorities will include supporting projects which help young people strengthen their self-esteem and provide activities to divert them away from destructive behaviour.”
During Julie’s year of office, she will again be supported by her husband Paul Fosh, a longstanding property and farming Land Agent and Executive Partner in Ceres Group, providing advice to the rural community.
Traditionally, the role of High Sheriff was a male domain, but increasingly women such as Julie, who have made their mark in the community, are taking up the office with great success.
Modern-day High Sheriffs of Essex have a radically different role compared to their historical counterparts, who were Royal officials responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining law and order.
Today the High Sheriff’s role includes supporting and promoting voluntary organisations, making a meaningful contribution to the county and giving active support to the Royal family, the judiciary, police, the emergency services, local authorities and faith groups.
As she takes up her role as the new High Sheriff of Essex, Julie is well equipped to understand and support people of all generations in the county, and she is determined to make the most of her second term of office.
You can follow the High Sheriff on Instagram at ‘@essexhighsheriff’ or on Facebook and LinkedIn as ‘High Sheriff of Essex’
How is a High Sheriff Appointed?
- In November, the Lord Chief Justice and three other judges add names to the list of Sheriffs for the next three years. Nominations are made by a panel made up of local people.
- In March, the King selects one of the nominated Sheriffs by pricking their name with the bodkin.
- The appointment is confirmed by a Royal Warrant.
Did you know?
- The first recorded High Sheriff of Essex was Leofcild, who was appointed in 1042 or 1043 by King Edward the Confessor
- The first female High Sheriff of Essex was Mrs Evelyn Ward-Thomas in 1994 and there have been 7 female High Sheriffs since then.
- The practice of pricking dates back to the reign of Henry VII (1485-1508).
- The pricking ceremony is an early form of document security. A hole in the vellum (calfskin) could not be removed or repaired invisibly.
- The office of High Sheriff of Essex is the oldest secular office in the kingdom. The title originated during the time of the Angles, shortly after the invasion of England. The office has been in existence for over 1,000 years.
- The office was a powerful position in earlier times, as sheriffs were responsible for the maintenance of law and order and various other roles. It was only in 1908 under Edward VII that the lord-lieutenant became more senior than the high sheriff. Since then, the position of high sheriff has become more ceremonial, with many of its previous responsibilities transferred to High Court judges, magistrates, coroners, local authorities and the police.
Legacy supports new homeless centre in Chelmsford
16th April 2025
A transformative new housing development for homeless and vulnerable individuals has officially opened in Chelmsford, thanks in part to a donation of over £427,000 from the William and Gladys Pudney Memorial Fund, which we manage.
The new site, named Turning Point, was unveiled at a launch event on Tuesday 9 April by Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Essex and Patron of ECF, alongside local dignitaries including the Mayor of Chelmsford, the new High Sheriff of Essex Julie Fosh, and representatives from Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Council.
Developed by local charity, CHESS Homeless, the purpose-built modular accommodation will provide a safe and supportive space for 24 individuals from across Chelmsford, offering not only shelter but a vital foundation for people to rebuild their lives.
The William and Gladys Pudney Memorial Fund was established with us in 2017. It provides grants to support vulnerable people in the Chelmsford and Writtle area and this significant donation from their Fund played a pivotal role in the realisation of the Turning Point project.
Andy Payne Worpole, our Director of Policy and Programme said, “When CHESS Homeless approached us to ask if we could support the development, within a short timescale so that they could access funding from the Government’s Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP), we immediately thought of the Pudney Fund because it fitted with the donor’s wishes.
“Being able to respond to needs in our local community in this way is what makes having a Community Foundation, which can harness local giving, such an asset. The funding for the Turning Point project has laid the groundwork—literally and figuratively—for a place that will change lives.”
Claire Read, a Partner at Birkett Long Solicitors and an executor of the Pudneys’ estate, said, “William and Gladys Pudney cared deeply about helping vulnerable people in the community and it is wonderful to see their charitable wishes being met through their legacy and Fund with ECF.”
Tenants staying at Turning Point will benefit from regular mental health and counselling services, therapeutic and skills-based workshops, employment coaching, and access to healthcare. A volunteer wellbeing team will also be based permanently at the facility.
Rob Saggs, CEO of CHESS Homeless, shared his personal reflections during the opening. He said, “It’s been a long journey, but seeing this vision come to life is overwhelming. The support we’ve had, especially from the Pudney Fund, is genuinely life-changing. This is more than a housing site—it’s a second chance for so many.”
The first residents are expected to move in by the end of April 2025.
If you would like to leave a legacy to support your local community, please contact Perry Norton, Head of Development on 01245 355947 or email perry@essexcf.org.uk
Helping Charities to Thrive
27th March 2025
Read the Thrive Programme Briefing document here: Thrive Programme Briefing 2025
Business expertise and guidance given through an innovative project are transforming charities, helping them to thrive and aim for excellence.
With funding from the Thriving Third Sector Fund, we are supporting the long-term future of local charities by contributing to their strategic development through a project called the Thrive Programme. The programme is delivered by Cranfield Trust, the leading provider of pro-bono consultancy and management support for the voluntary sector.
The work of Cranfield Trust focuses on small to medium-sized charities that provide vital services to local communities, but that have few resources to invest in management and leadership development and external support.
The Thrive Programme forms part of our funder plus initiative, to support not-for-profits across Essex, Southend and Thurrock with their continued organisational and leadership development. Groups take part in workshops, peer-to-peer support and then the opportunity to work with the Cranfield Trust through either a consultancy project or 1:1 mentoring.
Volunteers, who are either still working or now retired, with experience in the business sector are matched to charities and work with them, and CEOs, to help strengthen their skills so the organisation can move forward and meet future challenges.
Over the last six years, Hearing Help Essex, the Essex Blind Charity and Southend Carers are among 50 local voluntary organisations to have benefited from mentoring through the Thrive Programme.
Sue Elder, Associate Regional Manager with Cranfield Trust, leads the Thrive Programme in Essex. She said, “We have been working with ECF since 2019, delivering the Thrive Programme in Essex and the feedback we have received shows the results can be transformational.
“ECF identifies organisations that could benefit from the programme and we match all participating organisations with volunteer mentors, based on the needs of the organisation and the people involved.
We are currently in our sixth year of the programme. This year, twelve local organisations have had their first online introductory session, and their first in-person session, which happened on 27 March 2025. The first workshop focussed on Change Management, a successful first session which sparked meaningful discussions among the group.
The programme is spread across nine months. Below illustrates the workshop schedule, which goes up to month nine’s Income Generation and Continuing to Thrive workshops – which are held in a bumper session (6a and 6b below).
Feedback from charities who have took part in the 2024 Thrive Programme have felt the benefits in their own work.
Southend Foodbank said, “Cranfield Trust helped our organisation crystallise our strategy and the work we’ve done with them will help steer our charity in the future. I found the programme really helpful and interesting. Thank you for the support!”
Interact said, “Working with my Cranfield Trust Mentor has helped me to better consider the needs of my charity and how to best approach addressing those needs. My mentor had a lot of experience linked to the types of issues I was facing. I learnt a lot especially new methods to consider when evaluating new projects.”
Lads Need Dads said, “The Thrive Programme has been a really positive experience. It has provided us with invaluable insights and practical tools to enhance our impact and sustainability. The mentorship from Gordon MacSween was excellent – his guidance, expertise, and encouragement was so timely. We are grateful to the Cranfield Trust and Essex Community Foundation for this opportunity to grow and thrive.”
Reflections from a volunteer
Gordon MacSween, a former Managing Director who took early retirement, has also proved to be a valuable volunteer with Cranfield Trust. His skills and experience have helped the suicide prevention charity Reach out For Mental Health based in Colchester, and the Chelmsford-based charity InterAct that works with people with learning disabilities.
Gordon said, “Having taken earlier retirement I wanted to do something for charity and heard that Cranfield Trust would know of the best places for me to help. Their process has been excellent and I am now working with two local charities, each with different challenges, and for both of which I have a real affinity.
“I don’t claim to be an expert in the third sector, but I do aim to bring the right tools and techniques at the right time, to help the excellent CEOs of these charities achieve more. It’s the best use of my time and ultimately more valuable than directly volunteering.”
Hearing Help Essex
Retired HR director Chris Jullings is a volunteer with Cranfield Trust, and was matched with Hearing Help Essex, a small charity that supports people with acquired hearing loss.
Chris said: “I worked with Hearing Help’s CEO, Sophie Ede, to focus on the issues that will unlock the organisation’s ability to help twice as many people over the next two years. Being a Cranfield Trust volunteer is a small call on your time but makes a big difference to small charities.”
Sophie Ede said: “Working with Chris has been brilliant. He really took time to listen and to understand our challenges and then helped me to map out the stepping stones needed to achieve both our short-term and longer-term aims. As a direct result of this project we have increased our capacity and feel far more resilient.”
Andy Payne-Worpole, Head of Programmes at ECF said, “The Thrive Programme is a great opportunity for charities and voluntary groups to address the barriers and issues that hinder their development.
“It helps ensure they have the skills they need and makes them become more resilient for the future. The success of the project shows that ECF is not just a grant-making organisation and this is just one of the ways that we are helping to support a thriving third sector in Essex.”
Register your interest
If you would like to take part in the next Thrive Programme, please email frankie@essexcf.org.uk on 01245 355947
Read the Thrive Programme Briefing document here: Thrive Programme Briefing 2025