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.

High Sheriff Recognises Local Charities at Prestigious Awards Ceremony

6th March 2026

Local charities and voluntary organisations that address crime and anti-social behaviour and improve community safety have received recognition and grants at the annual High Sheriff’s Awards.

Among the projects receiving support were youth groups, activities and specialist help for young people, projects that contribute to community cohesion for minority groups, support for older people who are facing abuse and exploitation, raising awareness of rural safety and a knife crime prevention initiative.

Around 200 guests attended this year’s ceremony held at Hylands House in Chelmsford, where trophies, certificates and 29 grants totalling £162,000 were presented by the High Sheriff of Essex, Julie Fosh DL.

The event was supported by Essex County Council, Chelmsford City Council, Essex County Fire & Rescue Service and the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.  Presenters Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt supported the event by compering and interviewing the trophy winners and other guests, with conversations shared by Sadie Nine on her BBC Essex Saturday morning show.

The grants came from the High Sheriffs’ Fund, and other community safety focussed funds all of which are managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

Julie Fosh DL, the 845^th High Sheriff of Essex, has travelled across the County during the year, visiting charities that are tackling a wide range of issues and helping people in their community.  She has learned about their work and met with many volunteers, presenting them with certificates to recognise and acknowledge their commitment and dedication.

“It is an honour and privilege to serve as the High Sheriff of Essex, and has been a hugely enjoyable year. I have travelled across the county and been very warmly welcomed by so many communities, organisations, charities and voluntary groups. Their work is inspiring and shows great resilience and dedication to those they support”.

“The Awards event provides a wonderful opportunity for me, and other attendees, to recognise publicly, the significant contribution that charities and voluntary groups make in our communities.  It is a privilege to be able to reward their outstanding work, and that of the wider voluntary sector, being undertaken in Essex that is helping to build and sustain safer communities”, she said.

The coveted High Sheriff’s Shield was awarded to Kids Inspire:

Based in Chelmsford, recognising their dedication and amazing work supporting children, young people and families with mental health and trauma recovery. The High Sheriff’s panel were hugely impressed by the impact that this charity and project is having on the lives of so many young people, helping to keep them safe from harm and give them a brighter future.

High Sheriff Shield winners, Kids Inspire.

Other trophies presented on the night were:

• The High Sheriff’s Cup, presented to Leap Pathways for their work empowering girls in Rochford and Castle Point, helping them to keep safe and well. They also received £4,320 to reach more girls who urgently need a safe, trusted space.
• The Essex County Council Bowl, which recognises the contribution of organisations working in partnership to deliver programmes directly into the community, was awarded to Together Free Foundation for their work in Essex to bring an end to modern slavery and human trafficking. They also received £6,000 to help with their operational costs.
• The Essex County Fire & Rescue Shield, which recognises an organisation’s work with young people, was awarded to Colchester United Community Foundation for their work providing a much-needed lifeline and a safe space for young people at risk of exclusion or involvement in crime, offering guidance, mentoring, and engaging activities. They also received £5,000 to help run a free weekly youth club in Shrub End, Colchester.
• The Essex Police Cup, which recognises the work of voluntary organisations working in the community was awarded to ATF Southend, for their work with young people and specifically their Positive Futures Course in secondary schools for young people, mainly from South Essex, who are at risk of criminal and challenging behaviour.

High Sheriff 2026 Awards winners

Passing it On: Leaving a Gift to Charity in Your Will

5th March 2026

Leaving a gift to charity in your will means that you can support the people and communities you love.  This month, Essex Community Foundation (ECF) shares how legacies they have received are making a difference and keeping memories alive. 

Over the past 30 years, the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF), has been helping people to leave a lasting legacy to support the causes they care about.  

Each year ECF awards around £4 million in grants to local charities and voluntary groups that are tackling a wide range of issues. The funding comes from over 200 charitable funds that have been set up by local people and businesses who want to give back to their community during their lifetime, but also through their will. 

Leaving a gift to charity in your will is one of the most meaningful ways to support the people and places you love. Across Essex, legacies left to ECF are quietly changing lives, while keeping the stories and values of donors alive for generations to come. 

“Every legacy is personal, and every gift tells a story,” 

“Making a will is about more than practical planning. For many people, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on what matters most to them and ensure their generosity continues long into the future.”

“When someone plans ahead, we can help turn their vision into action, strengthening communities and creating a lasting impact across Essex.” says Perry Norton, Head of Development at ECF.  

We share three stories of people who left gifts in their wills to ECF and are doing just that. 

A Life of Action: The Austin Hicks Charitable Fund

Austin Hicks, a man whose motto, according to his widow Anne, was simple:

 “Just do it.” 

Austin lived in Colchester for nearly 40 years and worked for 35 years at MLM Consulting Engineers, where he became a partner. A former Rotary president, keen musician and enthusiastic traveller, he was deeply involved in local life and passionate about giving back. 

Before he died in May 2018, aged 65, following a battle with cancer, Austin asked that a charitable fund be set up in his name to support good causes in and around Colchester. 

Since then, the Austin Hicks Charitable Fund, established with ECF, has awarded nearly £13,000 in grants to local charities supporting dementia care, mental health education, children and young people, and music. 

“Austin was a real planner and a doer, he always had a great interest in supporting local charities. Before he died, he made plans and asked that the family set up a fund after his death to help local causes.” says Anne.

Their daughter Kathryn, who had encountered community foundations through her voluntary work, suggested ECF as the best way to ensure Austin’s wishes were carried out professionally and effectively. 

“The fund is in the hands of professionals, we know the money will be properly administered and will go to organisations Austin would want to support, year on year.” Anne explains.

Grants from the fund have already supported projects including pop-up dementia cafés for carers, specialist support for families with young children with Down syndrome, and employment opportunities for young people with additional needs. 

“It is wonderful to see his fund established as he wanted, it’s supporting charities he believed in and it will continue to do so.”  Anne adds.

Austin’s wife, Anne, and his children, Kathryn and Jonathan, are all actively involved in the fund and committed to continuing his legacy. Anne has been able to visit several of the groups supported, seeing first-hand the positive impact the grants are making in local communities. 

Through Austin’s legacy, and the continued involvement of his family, his spirit of action and generosity continues to strengthen grassroots charities and support meaningful local initiatives across Essex. 

Examples of projects supported by the Austin Hick Charitable Fund include: 

Age Well East – £1,444 to support pop-up dementia cafés, helping to improve the mental health and wellbeing of carers. 

Candles, the North Essex Down Syndrome Support Group – £1,021 to fund activities and specialist sessions for families with young children with Down Syndrome.

Market Field Farm – £1,271 towards equipment costs and creating employment opportunities for young people with additional needs.

Austin’s story is one of several legacies helping Essex communities thrive.   

Professional advisers, including solicitors, can work with their clients to advise them on how giving through ECF can be tax efficient and means that their gift will support causes close to their heart in perpetuity.   

Fiona Ashworth, a director at Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) solicitors has introduced several of her clients to ECF.      

Barbara Huntley, who died aged 89 in 2022, lived in Boreham and had no children of her own. After discussions with Fiona, her solicitor, she decided that, after providing for family members, the remainder of her estate was donated to ECF to support a wide range of causes across Essex, particularly those helping young children have the best possible start in life.

 Another client of Fiona’s was Gwendy Marrs, a woman remembered for her warmth, energy and love of performance. Born in 1930, Gwendy spent four years as one of the famous high-kicking Tiller Girls, touring South Africa in 1952 before returning to Essex, where she worked for the Colchester Lathe Company for more than three decades.

After her husband Colin died, Gwendy returned to performing, appearing as an extra in well-known television programmes including Hi-De-Hi and Lovejoy, while remaining deeply involved in local clubs and community activities. 

“As solicitors, we help clients think carefully about their legacy’ ‘For people like Barbara and Gwendy, knowing their gifts would continue to support their community brought real comfort and joy.” says Fiona.

What Kind of Legacy Will You Leave?

The legacies left by Austin Hicks, Gwendy Marrs and Barbara Huntley are reminders that generosity doesn’t end with a lifetime. Each gift is a story of a life lived, values shared and a community strengthened. 

If you would like to explore leaving a legacy, a good place to start is by speaking to your professional adviser, or by contacting Perry Norton at Essex Community Foundation on 01245 355947 or via essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk. 

Did you know: 

By leaving 10% of your estate to charity, you will benefit from a reduction in Inheritance Tax from 40% to 36%. 

It is estimated that of the 75% of people who give to charity in their lifetime, only 7% leave a gift to charity in their will. 

In 2024, charities in the UK were gifted a record £4.5 billion from legacies.  

Free Wills Month happens in March and October, offering people aged 55+ the chance to get simple wills drafted by solicitors for free, with details available via the freewillsmonth.org.uk website.  

Types of Legacy 

• A residuary legacy: a gift made form the remainder of your estate once all other bequests to family and friends have been made and debts paid off.  This can be a percentage of the remainder, or all of it.
• A pecuniary legacy: a fixed amount specified in a will 
• A specific legacy: a particular item left as a gift in your will, for example, shares, property, jewellery or a painting 
• A reversionary legacy: this allows the surviving partner to benefit from the estate during their lifetime and then for the balance of the estate to pass to the Foundation. 

Leaving a gift in your will to ECF is a personal way to create a lasting connection with the causes you care about.  

Find out more on our Leave a Legacy page  – click here.

Rickard Luckin: Turning Celebration into Community Impact

4th March 2026

Marking their 10-year anniversary, Rickard Luckin, one of Essex’s leading independent accountancy and advisory firms, chose to turn celebration into action, creating a meaningful difference across local communities. 

To mark a decade since the merger that created today’s firm, the team launched 10K Your Way, a fundraising challenge designed to be accessible to everyone. Colleagues were invited to raise £10,000 collectively in whatever way worked for them. 

“Our team is diverse in age, ability and interests, so we wanted a challenge that everyone could engage with’ ‘Not everyone wants to run 10K, and that was exactly the point.” Says Kim Aaronricks, Head of Marketing.

Staff set creative personal challenges, from physical feats to reading 10,000 pages, while colleagues, clients and local businesses sponsored and supported them. Even those not taking on a challenge played their part, cheering others on and helping to build momentum across the firm’s offices. 

“It created a real buzz, once it got going, it snowballed.” Says Andrew Norris, Corporate Finance Associate.

Doubling the Impact 

Thanks to match funding and additional support from the firm’s leadership, the original target was quickly surpassed. The campaign ultimately raised more than £22,000. 

Rather than continuing to grow their Rickard Luckin Community Fund’s endowment (established in 2009 and managed by ECF), the team chose to distribute the raised funds directly to local causes through a flow-through donation model. Every member of staff was given three votes to help decide where the money should go.

The four charities selected were: 

• Southend Mencap 

• Age Concern Southend 

• Safer Places 

• Basildon Foodbank 

“We wanted the decision to reflect what really matters to our people, that made it all the more meaningful.” says Kim.

Supporting Grassroots Essex 

Rickard Luckin has worked with Essex Community Foundation for many years, valuing the opportunity to support smaller, grassroots charities that might otherwise struggle to secure funding. 

“Through ECF, we’re introduced to organisations we may never have discovered ourselves.’ ‘For smaller charities, a donation of this size can make a real and immediate difference.” says Andrew.

Alongside the 10K Your Way challenge, the firm also runs a quarterly Giving Back Together initiative, where staff nominate causes close to their hearts, reinforcing a culture where generosity is part of everyday working life. 

For Rickard Luckin, turning a milestone into action has helped create a lasting investment in Essex communities. 

Interested in Giving Back to your Community? 

If your organisation is looking to support local causes, ECF is here to help. From establishing a fund to shaping a tailored approach to community giving, there are many ways to create meaningful local impact. 

To start a conversation, contact Perry Norton, Head of Development at Essex Community Foundation: 

Tel: 01245 355947 
Email: perry@essexcf.org.uk