A SOMERSET charity is looking for an ambitious person to join and lead its board of trustees as chair.  

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), which is based in Shepton Mallet, is seeking someone to provide leadership and help steer the foundation into the future. 

SCF funds local charities and aims to inspire local giving and philanthropy to build stronger communities across the county. 

The foundation will celebrate its twentieth anniversary at the end of this year. 

Since it was founded in 2002, the charity has awarded more than £17 million to thousands of local causes.

Tim Walker, a current trustee at SCF, said: "The trustees of Somerset Community Foundation are seeking a new chair to replace Jane Barrie OBE DL, who will retire from this office at the end of 2022.

"We’re starting the recruitment process now so that the appointed person can work with Jane during a transition period and learn something of the great work this foundation delivers before taking over."


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Justin Sargent OBE, SCF chief executive, said: "We’re looking for someone who shares our passion and enthusiasm for the work of local charities to join and lead our board.

"Building on the success of the foundation in recent years, they will help us fulfil our goals for the next stage of our growth and development.

"This will be a fascinating and rewarding role. 

"Alongside shaping the direction of the foundation, there will be many opportunities to meet and spend time with people and charities who help make stronger and thriving communities across Somerset, and see first-hand the impact our funding makes to local communities every day."

The foundation has received national recognition for its annual Surviving Winter campaign.

SCF also created the £1.5 million Somerset Flood Relief Fund in 2015 and founded the £1.5 million Somerset Coronavirus Fund in 2020. 

The charity is now building an endowment fund to meet the changing needs of Somerset for future generations.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.

The role is voluntary with expenses paid, and the expected duration is three to six years. 

For more information, or to apply, visit: www.somersetcf.org.uk/vacancies.