Elaine Tisdall OBE

10th March 2020

Elaine started her career as a graduate management trainee with the NHS, qualifying as an accountant (CIPFA) and subsequently working in finance within the public sector. After a break from full time employment to look after her family, Elaine moved into adult learning, gaining her PGCE and primarily teaching business studies and accountancy.

In 1999, Elaine joined Surrey Care Trust as their business manager, becoming chief executive two years later, and remained in that role until her retirement in spring 2019. She was awarded the OBE for Services to Adult Learning in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List.

Elaine is currently a member of both the Foundation’s Grants and Governance Committees.

Sarah Ferguson

22nd November 2019

Sarah is responsible for providing efficient and effective support to the staff team, Board of Trustees and Working Committees. Sarah is the first point of contact for the office, and is responsible for all aspects of I.T. and administering the Foundation’s data management system.

David McSween

26th September 2019

The Community Foundation for Surrey provides financial support and help to charities and voluntary organisations across Surrey and we award over 400 grants each year. As Grants Administrator, David plays a key role in supporting applicants and ensuring the efficient flow of grant applications through the system.

Paul Downes

8th January 2019

Paul is a Chartered Accountant who spent 30 years working in banking and private equity. He has lived in Surrey for over 50 years. Paul is currently the Treasurer of the Horsell Common Preservation Society, a charity based in Woking where he lives. Paul is Honorary Treasurer of the Foundation and Chairs the Finance and Investment Committee.

Nicola Bartlett

21st May 2018

Nicola is a point of contact for grant enquiries and the best person for individuals to speak to about potential applications. She is responsible for assessing grant applications and making grant recommendations, as well as supporting voluntary and community groups throughout the application process. Nicola also works closely with a range of our Donors to support their grant-making and manages our funds supporting individuals.

Peter Cluff

7th November 2016

Peter Cluff was until recently Co-Founder and Principal at Europa Capital, an international real estate fund management group based in London that has invested more than €9 billion in over 90 transactions across 18 European countries since 1999. He was a member of the Investment Committee responsible for acquiring and disposing of all assets as well as being the Compliance Officer.

He volunteered for 13 years and was a founding member of the British Venture Capital Association Regulatory Committee. He also established a private equity finance director forum which now has representatives from over 100 firms.

Peter is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and currently sits on the Foundation’s Marketing and Development Committee. Peter is also Chairman of Guildford Philanthropy, our Area Fund for Guildford run in partnership with Guildford Borough Council.

Andrew Wates OBE DL

6th May 2016

Andrew Wates is former Chairman of Wates Group, one of the UK’s largest private construction companies. For over 100 years the Group has been committed to supporting and improving the communities in which it works through corporate philanthropy. The Wates Group previously hosted the Community Foundation for Surrey within his offices in Leatherhead when it was first established in 2005, and Andrew continues his support of the Foundation as Vice President.

The Hon Mrs Lavinia Sealy DL

Lavinia Sealy is heavily committed to working with the voluntary and business sectors and was previously elected as Surrey County Council’s Chairman. She is particularly interested in helping to educate and train young people and disabled young people and has a keen interest in the Arts. Lavinia has generously supported the Foundation since we established and was instrumental in establishing our Surrey Community Arts Fund.

Jim McAllister

Jim McAllister is Chief Executive of The Rutland Group, a privately owned property development, investment and management company, which he founded in 1984. Since its inception, The Rutland Group, and Dunsfold Park Ltd. have been closely involved with supporting local communities throughout the UK and have generously supported the Foundation since establishing in 2005.