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
Support From Pioneering Essex Company
Charities and voluntary groups in Essex have been receiving vital support over the past two decades, thanks to a partnership between Teledyne e2v and Essex Community Foundation.
Teledyne e2v is a trailblazer in advanced technology with a deep-rooted history in Chelmsford, and has strengthened its local communities for the past two decades, with grants from the fund it set up with Essex Community Foundation (ECF). Since the early days of British engineering innovation, the company’s commitment to local people has grown alongside its global success.
In 2006, the company established the Teledyne e2v Foundation with ECF and the fund is giving ongoing and much-needed help to those in need, including children with cancer, men with mental health problems, people who are homeless and first aid organisations.
The partnership between the company and ECF is a strong commitment to support grassroots charities and voluntary groups across mid and south Essex, where the majority of Teledyne e2v’s employees live and work.
More than £140,000 has already been distributed from the Teledyne e2v Foundation to 69 local causes, and, crucially, because the fund is invested for the long-term, it will keep giving year after year, ensuring support that lasts well beyond individual grants.
What makes the company’s fund distinctive is the way decisions are made. A charity panel made up of Teledyne e2v employees works closely with ECF to review applications and award grants. This hands-on approach keeps the process grounded, personal and closely connected to the communities it serves.
Sam Philbrick, Chair of the Committee, said:
“Working with ECF has introduced us to so many local charities that we never knew existed before. Every year, we meet to discuss applications from charities that meet the criteria of our fund, which focuses on mid and south Essex.”
“It’s inspiring to hear about the work these groups do and to discuss, as colleagues, which ones we will support. Being able to visit the organisations afterwards is always incredibly motivating.”
Sam Philbrick and Joanne Jones from e2v who are members of the Charity Committee at ECF’s 30th anniversary event in July 2025
Since 2006, the fund has supported a wide range of local charities and voluntary groups, from those helping young people and families, to organisations tackling isolation, improving wellbeing, and strengthening community resilience. Many of these are small, volunteer-led groups whose impact far outweighs their size, exactly the kind of organisations ECF aims to support.
The most recent grants include:
A grant of £2,660 to 12th Man Mental Health enabling them to train 20 local men as Mental Health First Aiders, giving them the skills and confidence to spot early warning signs of poor mental health, offer immediate support and guide others towards professional help. Rather than waiting for men to seek services, the project places trained responders directly into male-dominated environments such as businesses, clubs and community groups, spaces where men already feel comfortable.
12th Man provides mental health training in businesses and spaces where men already feel comfortable.
This approach helps break down stigma and encourages conversations that might otherwise never happen. Each trained Mental Health First Aider becomes a trusted presence within their community, creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the individuals trained.
Nick Little is a Director at 12th Man. He said:
“For many men, talking about mental health still feels difficult, especially in workplaces and social spaces where vulnerability is rarely encouraged. We are working hard to change that, and receiving support from the Teledyne e2v Foundation has allowed us to reach men who are often hidden in plain sight. By training people within the community, we’re creating real change where it’s needed most.”
Providing Life-Saving Care
When emergencies strike at community events, having trained volunteers and the right equipment can mean the difference between panic and life-saving care. Essex Community First Aid Events Volunteers, formed in 2018 by a group of dedicated local volunteers, ensures that small community events across Essex, from school fetes to charity fundraisers, have expert first aid cover without cost barriers.
A grant of £500 from the Teledyne e2v Foundation helped them to buy two Entonox administration sets and accessories, giving volunteers the tools to provide effective pain relief during critical moments. In their first year, the team supported 63 events, far more than the 12 originally expected, now they receive over 125 bookings for over 200 events annually assisting people in moments of extreme stress, including administering life-saving care helping individuals with minor and serious injuries and conditions.
Essex Community First Aid Events Volunteers providing support at local events.
“This funding makes a real difference,”says Mike Fraser, a Trustee of the charity.“It ensures our volunteers have the equipment they need to support people safely and confidently. Every event we attend, we’re able to bring reassurance, care, and immediate medical help to those who need it most.”
With skilled volunteers and upgraded equipment, Essex Community First Aid Events Volunteers continues to be a vital, life-saving presence across the county.
Supporting Chelmsford’s Homeless
Cool to be Kind also received a grant from the Teledyne e2v Foundation. Funding of £2,000 helped with the costs of hosting an online directory of resources and to provide essential items for people who are homeless across Chelmsford.
For over a decade, Cool to be Kind has been a lifeline for Chelmsford’s homeless, providing practical support and connecting people to vital services. Established in 2015, the organisation runs an outreach programme, the Rucksack Project, and distributes surplus food from supermarkets. It also manages Street Support Chelmsford, an online directory linking 110 organisations and 235 services to vulnerable individuals across the city.
Cool to be kind providing practical support to Chelmsford’s homeless for over 10 years.
Support from the Teledyne e2v Foundation helped fund one-third of these programmes, covering website hosting, a part-time Engagement Manager, and essential items such as clothing and sleeping bags. Each week, around 35 rough sleepers receive clothing and sleeping bags, while hundreds of people access the online directory to find food, warm spaces, legal advice, and accommodation.
“This funding has been transformational,”says Dan Skeates, co-founder of the charity. “It allows us to keep people safe, warm, and connected to the services they need. Every item we provide, every person we reach, makes a real difference in our community.”
Supporting Families Through Childhood Cancer
Facing a childhood cancer diagnosis is devastating for families, and timely emotional support can make all the difference. Gold Geese, a Southend-based charity, provides tailored practical and emotional support to children and their families across Basildon, Chelmsford, and Southend. Founded in 2018 by Katie Southgate after her child’s cancer diagnosis, the charity ensures no family faces the journey alone.
A grant of £2,000 from the Teledyne e2v Foundation enabled Gold Geese to provide specialist counselling to 25 families, giving each child, sibling, and parent a minimum of six sessions with BACP-qualified counsellors trained in bereavement, oncology, and trauma.
Katie and her daughter Hattie received practical support and reassurance from Gold Geese.
This support bridges the gap in NHS services, where waiting times can stretch to months, offering families immediate help without financial burden.
“This funding has been life-changing for the families we support,”says Katie Southgate, founder and CEO of the charity.“It allows children and their families to receive the counselling they need at a time when waiting is simply not an option. Every session brings hope, reassurance, and practical support during an incredibly difficult journey.”
Commitment to Community
This commitment to community sits naturally alongside Teledyne e2v’s wider ethos. The company’s history in Essex stretches back to the 1940s, when it began as part of the Marconi group, manufacturing magnetrons for defence radar systems. Registered as a separate company in Chelmsford in 1947, it played a pioneering role in British engineering under the leadership of Simeon M. Aisenstein, a Russian-born engineer whose work helped shape Europe’s broadcasting and communications landscape.
Today, as part of Teledyne Technologies, following its acquisition in 2017, Teledyne e2v operates as a global manufacturer serving healthcare, life sciences, space, transportation, defence and industrial markets. Despite its international footprint, the company has never lost sight of its local roots.
That same forward-looking mindset is reflected in its passion for education and skills development. By inspiring students in physics, mathematics and engineering, and through its award-winning Apprenticeship Scheme, Teledyne e2v is helping to nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers. Many apprentices go on to secure long-term careers with the business, strengthening both the company and the communities it serves.
Facts about Teledyne e2v
- Set up a long-term charitable fund with ECF in 2006 which is currently valued at over £207,000.
- Given grants totalling £140,000 to a wide range of charities supporting local initiatives and helping local people in need.
- Acquired by Teledyne Technologies in March 2017 exactly 70 years after the company’s original company registration in 1947
- Recipient of 13 Queen’s Awards for Technology, plus the Sir Arthur C. Clarke Award for excellence in space innovation
- In 2025, three high profile European Space Agency (ESA) missions launched featuring imaging sensors designed and produced by Teledyne e2v’s Space Imaging division in Chelmsford
- Teledyne e2v Space Imaging supplied the one-billion-pixel Charge Coupled Device (CCD) imaging array for ESA’s Gaia mission, mapping the Milky Way in unprecedented detail
- 104 CCDs will be flown on ESA’s Plato mission, due to launch early 2027, and will assist with the study of terrestrial exoplanets
- Other well-known space missions that use imaging sensors from Teledyne e2v Space Imaging include the Hubble Space Telescope, Euclid Space Telescope, Mars Perseverance Rover and New Horizons
- A range of Teledyne e2v’s magnetrons are used deployed in marine radar systems which are used by ships for navigation, collision avoidance and weather monitoring.
- Our state-of-the-art radio frequency (RF) deactivation technology brings moving targets to a controlled stop at a safe distance across land, air and sea and is used by law enforcement agencies to protect people and borders.
- Teledyne e2v’s technology is at the heart of high energy x-ray cargo scanning systems used at seaports and border crossings for the rapid, non-invasive detection of contraband, weapons and prohibited items.
- Teledyne e2v’s products are present in over 90% of radiotherapy systems worldwide, contributing to the treatment of cancer patients who receive radiotherapy.
As the Teledyne e2v Foundation celebrates 20 years of giving back, the story is not just one of funding, but of relationships, between colleagues, charities and communities, built on trust, curiosity and a shared belief that local action can have lasting impact.
If you are interested in setting up a charitable fund in your name or the name of your company, please call Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF on 01245 355947 or email perry@essexcf.org.uk
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.
Little Braxted Community Fund Surpasses £250,000 Awarded in Local Grants
A fund created from the sale of a former village schoolhouse is continuing to transform lives and strengthen communities across Essex more than a decade after it was first established.
The Little Braxted Community and Educational Fund, set up in 2012 with the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), has now awarded over £250,000 in grants, marking a significant milestone in its journey of local giving.
What began as a single community asset in the village of Little Braxted has grown into an enduring source of support, benefiting individuals and organisations not only locally but also in neighbouring areas of Witham and Maldon.
The Fund plays a vital role in bringing people together, unlocking opportunity and supporting local ambition. From helping young people pursue education and training, to enabling access to sport, creativity and community activities, the grants awarded are supporting local resources and helping people to thrive.
Jarvis Knight,( pictured below) who lives in Little Braxted, received a grant enabling him to take up a place at a college in the United States, combining academic study with elite-level football. He said:
“Growing up in a small village and attending local schools has shaped both my education and my passion for football. This opportunity is potentially life-changing for me as without the support, studying and playing sport abroad simply wouldn’t have been possible. It’s given me the chance to aim higher, both on and off the pitch.”
Supporting projects that bring residents together is also an important focus for the Fund.
A grant of £1,440 will enable Maldon CVS in partnership with Little Braxted and Great Braxted Parish Councils to organise a series of ‘Grass for Games’ free summer activity sessions for children aged 3–11. These events will give families the chance to enjoy fun, active play without financial pressure. For many, these sessions will provide a rare opportunity to take part in structured activities during the holidays.
“It’s not just about keeping children busy,” said Anna Appleyard, Operations Manager at Maldon and District Community Voluntary Service (CVS). “It’s about giving them positive experiences, building friendships and making sure every family feels included. The support we have received from the Fund makes that possible.”
Grants have also supported university students, helping to remove barriers that might otherwise limit opportunity.
Young athletes have also benefited, with funding enabling progression in gymnastics and athletics, as well as access to activities such as swimming and horse riding as part of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Essex Community Foundation works with a panel made up of local residents to help make decisions about which applications to support. Kit Speakman has been on the panel since the Fund was established. He said:
“It is quite remarkable to think that the sale of a single village building has grown into something that continues to give back year after year. This milestone really belongs to the community, and it reflects a long-term commitment to supporting local people in practical, meaningful ways. We see first-hand the difference these grants make, whether it’s that’s helping someone take the next step in their education or supporting activities that bring people together.”
For Essex Community Foundation, the Fund represents a powerful example of how local philanthropy can create lasting impact. Zoe Brampton, Grants Manager at ECF, said:
“This is a great example of how a locally rooted fund can evolve and grow over time. By combining the insight of a local panel with the Foundation’s long-term management, the Fund has been able to support a wide range of needs while remaining true to its original purpose. Reaching over £250,000 in grants is a significant milestone, but what’s most important is the continued impact, supporting communities not just now, but for years to come. It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through foresight and generosity.”
To apply for a grant or to find out more call ECF on 01245 355947 or visit our Apply for Support page.
To find out more about how to set up a charitable fund contact Perry Norton, Head of Development at Essex Community Foundation:
Tel: 01245 355947
Email: perry@essexcf.org.uk
Marconi Companies Charitable Fund: Continuing Its Legacy of Community Impact in Chelmsford
25th March 2026
ECF to Manage the Marconi Companies Charitable Fund
ECF is excited to announce that it will now manage the historic Marconi Companies Charitable Fund, helping ensure its long-standing legacy continues to make a real difference for people across Essex.
The Marconi Fund has deep roots in Chelmsford, going back to the early 1900s. It was set up to support Marconi company employees, particularly in retirement, and over the years has helped those in financial need, often widows or former staff without significant pensions.
A Legacy of Innovation and Care
Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor and pioneer, arrived in the UK at the turn of the 20th century with a vision to develop wireless radio technology. His work led to the first successful long-distance wireless transmissions and eventually transformed global communication. Marconi’s technology would later form the foundation for radio broadcasting, maritime communication, and even radar, playing a key role during both world wars.
Chelmsford became the heart of Marconi’s UK operations after he secured support from the local community. He built the first wireless factory in Hall Street, employing hundreds of local people and establishing Chelmsford as a centre of innovation. The area still retains a strong connection to his legacy, from early radio developments to modern telecommunications.
Beyond his technological achievements, Marconi was a forward-thinking employer. He set up systems to support his staff in later life, including pension provisions, which reflected a genuine concern for employee welfare. This ethos directly inspired the creation of the Marconi Companies Charitable Fund, ensuring employees and their families would have assistance when they needed it most.
Over the decades, the Marconi company evolved and changed hands a number of times. Despite these transitions, the charitable fund continued under the guidance of local trustees, preserving Marconi’s vision of community support while adapting to the needs of the time.
Image source: ©BBC 1929. Guglielmo Marconi as seen at the microphone in December 1929 when he was a Senator in the then Senate of the Kingdom of Italy.
Looking Ahead with ECF
In recent years, the number of potential beneficiaries has reduced as ex-employee numbers declined following peak employment in the 1960’s and 1970’s and ex-employees also enjoyed improved pension provisions. The Trustees saw an opportunity to broaden the fund’s reach while staying true to its original purpose. By partnering with ECF, the fund can now support a wider range of initiatives focused on relieving poverty in Essex (and potentially to other ex-Marconi employee bases), including food banks and other community projects.
“Our aim has always been to ensure the fund’s resources are put to good use,” says Ian Muir, former trustee of the Marconi Fund and now part of its ambassador panel. “With The Charity Commission’s support, we can now work with ECF to preserve the original purpose whilst expanding support to those facing financial hardship across the wider community.”
“It’s important to honour the heritage of the Marconi Fund, but equally to make sure it continues to make a difference,” Ian adds. “With ECF’s expertise, we can reach more people in need and put the fund’s resources to work where they matter most.”
ECF will manage the fund’s assets carefully, using its experience in grant-giving to maximise impact while preserving capital for the long term. Former trustees will stay involved through an ambassador panel, offering guidance and keeping the fund connected to its historic roots.
This partnership marks an exciting new chapter. By combining ECF’s community expertise with the Marconi Fund’s legacy, even more people in Essex will benefit, continuing the spirit of innovation and care that started with Guglielmo Marconi over a century ago.
Interested in Having a Fund with ECF?
From setting up a fund to shaping a tailored approach to community giving, there are many ways to create lasting impact for Essex communities.
To start a conversation, contact:
Perry Norton, Head of Development, Essex Community Foundation
Tel: 01245 355947
Email: perry@essexcf.org.uk