Welcome to our new Chair, President and Trustees

Following our Annual General Meeting which was held on Thursday, 26 September 2019 we are delighted to announce several changes to the team at Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

Henry Holland-Hibbert, previously Deputy Chair for HCF, begins his new role as Chair of HCF Board of Trustees. Henry succeeds Gerald Corbett DL who stepped down after serving a full term of nine years.

Speaking about his appointment, Henry said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Chair for HCF. The Foundation has a clear vision to support areas of deprivation in Hertfordshire through connecting philanthropy and community need. I look forward to continuing the great work that Gerald and his team have done over the last nine years.”

Mr Robert Voss CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, the Queen’s representative in the county, has become our new president.

Commenting on his appointment Mr Voss said; “I was honoured to have been invited to become President of Hertfordshire Community Foundation which I was delighted to accept.

“Having known and worked with HCF for some time I have huge admiration for the manner in which they encourage local people to help the local community and that fits perfectly with the principals of the Lieutenancy of Hertfordshire and of course The Crown.

“I never cease to be amazed by the huge number of Hertfordshire people who regularly volunteer in so many diverse organisations and meeting a good number of these wonderful people makes me immensely proud and humbled.

“The great work that HCF does with local charities, many in areas of severe depravation, cannot be over-estimated not only in financial terms but also in essential support and training. Many charities not only survive but thrive thanks to the support of HCF. I am very much looking forward to working with Helen Gray, Foundation Director, and her great team as well as Chair Henry Holland-Hibbert and his Board.”

We are also pleased to announce that three new trustees have joined HCF’s board. Suzanne Westlake Head of Corporate Responsibility and Corporate Affairs at Ocado, Gus Machado founder of information and technology consultancy Data Technology and Suzy Harvey who runs a farming and property business near Bishop Stortford.

Suzy Harvey commented; “During my year as High Sheriff of Hertfordshire I realised that HCF is an amazing organisation that reaches all corners of our county and really makes a difference to the vulnerable members of our community. I was thrilled to be asked to be a trustee and look forward to working to continue this vital work.

Gus Machado commented: “I’m privileged to be joining an extremely talented team at HCF as Trustee in such demanding times as the pressure on public services continues to increase whilst budget cuts simply mean that there is less money available in the system. HCF occupies a unique and vital place in Hertfordshire awarding grants to deserving groups and organisations who help make Hertfordshire a better place for all, and I am proud to be a tiny part of this amazing organisation.”

Suzanne Westlake commented; "I'm delighted to become a trustee of HCF, it’s a wonderful organisation, doing some fabulous work, and I'm really looking forward to being a part of it going forward!"

Helen Gray Foundation Director for HCF commented; “I am delighted to welcome Henry as our Chair. Robert as our President and our three new trustees. Between them they bring a wealth of skills and experience which will further strengthen our Board. I greatly look forward to working them. Robert shares our passion for supporting the local community and his involvement in our work will be a huge asset. We are thrilled that he has agreed to continue the excellent work of our outgoing President, The Countess of Verulam.

“On behalf of the HCF Board and staff team our sincere thanks go to The Countess of Verulam for her significant contribution over the years. We are very pleased that she will continue to support HCF in her new role as HCF Patron.”

“I would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to Gerald Corbett, John Palmer DL and Jo Connell DL who are all stepping down after serving their full terms. Their leadership and support, coupled with great energy and sense of purpose has lead HCF through critical stages of its development. Thanks to their support, along with their fellow Board members, HCF faces the future with confidence as we continue to support some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.”