Our Team

We are proud of our team who have a wealth of experience and knowledge from across the voluntary sector and in business. We are committed to supporting the important work of a wide range of charities across the UK and enjoy the continuous learning this involves. Outside work, we are involved in a variety of philanthropic causes and volunteering in our communities.

We value and actively enjoy the diversity of our team as this allows multiple perspectives to thrive and inform our work. 40% of our team are from an ethnic minority background and we also cover several of the world’s major religions including the Christian, Hindu and Muslim faiths. A third of our team were the first generation in their families to attend university. In alphabetical order by first name, we hope you enjoy finding out a little more about us…

Ciara Molloy, Grants Officer

Ciara oversees applications submitted to our Major Grants programme and our Special Projects, such as the Weston Culture Fund and Weston Anniversary Fund. She also supports our Grants Managers and applicants through all stages of our Regular Grants application process. In her spare time, Ciara is a member of a national history-based charity and a real bookworm.

Clare Wilkinson, Project Manager

Clare manages a range of projects from specialist grants programmes, analysis of data and strategic projects as they arise. Clare brings nearly two decades of experience in the voluntary sector as a grant-maker and fundraising consultant. Clare has had a range of Trustee positions and is current Co-Chair of her local authority’s Library Advisory Board.

Flora Craig, Deputy Director

A former fundraiser, Flora manages the overall grant-making operations and has a particular focus on the sectors of Arts, Education and Museums & Heritage. Flora also supports the National Emergencies Trust, most recently as a member of the Allocations Committee helping to distribute £100m to frontline charities supporting people through the impact of Covid-19.

Grace Da Rocha, PA to Director

Responsible for managing visits and meetings for the Director and Head of Grants, Grace has been with the Foundation almost 20 years. She also manages visits by our Trustees. Outside the Foundation, Grace is a regular volunteer in her church and plays an active part in supporting those most in need in her local community.

Harriet Brooks, Grants Manager

A former fundraiser, Harriet oversees applications to our Faith, Community and Environment categories and leads on the Foundation’s Environment partnerships, including the Weston Communicating Climate programme with the Media Trust. Outside work, Harriet also enjoys community volunteering, rowing, and supports her local hospice.

Helen Martin, Administrator

Helen is responsible for administrative tasks for the Foundation, she assists our applicants and charity partners through all stages of the application process. Helen is likely to be the first person you speak to when you contact us and is ready and willing to help with all of your enquiries. Outside the Foundation, she is an avid seamstress and has a passion for history, regularly visiting many heritage sites.

Hussain Hajjaj, Head of IT

Hussain drives efficiency and service improvements through the use of enabling technologies, as well as providing technical support for the Foundation. Outside of his role at the Foundation, Hussain is involved in fundraising for both local and international charities and takes a keen interest in humanitarian issues.

Lisa Friel, Operations Manager

Lisa is central to ensuring the smooth running of the Foundation, which includes managing processes, developing policies, managing our database and websites, and processing of grants. Lisa is also heavily involved in the development of our special funds and partnerships. Outside work, she is Club Secretary for her netball club and is also a qualified netball umpire.

Parita Khagram, Grants Manager

Parita oversees applications to our Health, Welfare and Youth categories. She also works closely with our programme partner, Pilotlight on our shared programme the Weston Charity Awards. Parita is also proud to be our internal Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion! Outside work, she plays an active role in her local community through her work with Goodgym.

Philippa Charles, Director

Philippa is responsible for all aspects of the running of the Foundation and prior to that worked in a global role at Associated British Foods that generates much of the Foundation’s income. Philippa is also a Trustee of SmartWorks, which supports women into employment and sits on the investment committee of Social & Sustainable Capital.

Sofia Taylor, Accounts Assistant

Sofia is responsible for all day-to-day book-keeping, payroll administration, the processing of donations and supplier payments for the Foundation- making sure all the commitments made by the Trustees reach charities swiftly and seamlessly. Mother to a lively young boy, Sofia is also very artistic and enjoys painting.

Taryn Jensen, Financial Accountant

Taryn is responsible for preparing the management accounts and producing the annual financial statements to ensure we meet our regulatory requirements. Taryn is a keen conservationist, having volunteered through diving and community projects in Madagascar and for the National Trust as a conservation assistant.

Our expert partners

Our work would not be possible without the support of our expert partners below, who offer their invaluable expertise across a broad range of areas of our work. Though they are not full-time members of staff, they are nonetheless vital to what we do and have supported the Foundation for a number of years on a consultancy basis.

Bridget Hargreave, Social Media Consultant

Bridget manages the Foundation’s presence across social media platforms. Her work involves proactive social communication and the preparation of content, as social media is a key channel to communicate with our existing and potential grantees, as well as our programme partners and esteemed friends in the sector and beyond.

David Allen, Design Consultant

David handles the Foundation’s visual identity, including designing printed items, online documentation and infographics for social media. He created our brand guidelines to ensure consistent visual communication across all materials and ensures our printed materials use recycled paper. David also volunteers at a shelter for abandoned and abused dogs, and for environmental charities helping to keep local beaches clean.

Sarah Beach, Editorial Consultant

Sarah has worked with the Foundation for more than ten years. Her work involves editing and typesetting written materials such as the suite of application documents and the Annual Report. She also developed the Foundation’s editorial style guide to assist the team in clear and consistent communication. In her spare time, Sarah is a volunteer and board member for a local animal rescue association.