Karen Perkins
As CEO my role is to lead the strategic direction of the Foundation and uphold its values. Through strong, clear leadership, my focus is on building capacity, ensuring impact and sustainability of the Foundation and continuing to build our reputation as a champion for philanthropy in Bedfordshire.
Working closely with my senior team; the Head of Operations and Head of Partnerships, together we shall ensure that services are maintained and delivered to an exemplary standard and are always underpinned by our principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Francesca Johnstone
As Head of Impact & Programmes my role is to lead, manage and coordinate all aspects of the Foundations impact & learning and grant programmes delivery across multiple priority areas. I also lead on several initiatives including INSIGHT, this initiative offers support and advice to charities on accessing our services. We run several events each year, with a different focus each time e.g. climate/environmental, Recruiting volunteers, Mental Health, working with young people etc.
With an extensive background in the grants sector I am passionate about supporting local community groups in finding ways to address local need.
Jaqui Childs
Jaqui has been advising the Foundation since June 2019. She is an FCA, having spent years as a partner in accountancy practices advising corporate entities. At the Foundation she oversees the finances, which includes fund management, reporting and accounting systems and reporting to the trustee board.
[email protected]
Simon Cook
As Senior Grants Manager, I work with our Grants & Programmes Team to support organisations applying to us for funding. For over 18 years I have been a grants and programmes manager covering diverse activities such as policy analysis & development, employment support, refugee resettlement support, case management, immigration advice, supported accommodation, education and childcare. I am especially passionate about inclusion and social justice.
Rae Rahman
As a Grants Manager in the Grants Team I work across funds and initiatives, and ensure relationships with communities around the County are grown and nurtured over time. I work with applicants and organisations interested in making an application to ensure that they feel supported and confident in the process of applying for funding and monitoring their grant.
Suzanne France
As a Grants Manager I work closely with local community groups and charities to help them navigate the grant application process. Additionally, in my role I work with groups to build strong relations, provide support and monitor approved projects to ensure they are on target and meet the needs of beneficiaries.
[email protected]
Rachael Leonard
I’ve worked in the charity and social impact world for over 10 years and have always been passionate about helping people doing great work in their communities access the support they need. In my role as Grants Manager, I help local groups navigate the funding process — from first enquiries to final reports — and make sure the process is open, fair and responsive to the real issues communities face. I live in Central Bedfordshire and volunteer locally, so I’ve seen firsthand the difference grassroots organisations make. It’s a real privilege to be part of their journey and to play a role in making funding more accessible and impactful across Bedfordshire and Luton.
Deborah Hathway
I have experience of working within both the charity and voluntary sectors. Working for a charity pre-school, as well as previously undertaking the roles of charity trustee and school governor. I have always lived in Bedfordshire and enjoy being a member of the BLCF team.
Jemma Callue
As Marketing and Communications Administrator, I work with the team to share our news and updates across our website, newsletter, and social media channels. Throughout my career, I have worked with both national and international charities to support projects with communication and administrative work. I am very excited to use my creativity to showcase our team’s hard work!
Lucy Pollock
As the Office Administrator my role is to ensure the office runs smoothly and look after the administrative side of the foundation. My previous roles in administration for a charity Pre-School and managing events have given me the tools to jump straight in here at BLCF. Originally from Suffolk, I came to the University of Bedfordshire to study and have called Bedfordshire home for over 20 years.
Jamie Glanville
As a Data Officer, my role is to lead on the accurate management, recording and accessibility of data gathered through the foundation’s programmes. I’ve just finished an Open University course to do with Computing and IT so this role is a great segue into this job sector. I’m looking forward to what I can learn in this apprenticeship!
