Meet the team

Amanda has worked in fundraising and marketing roles in the not for profit sector in the UK and overseas for 30 years.  In recent years this has included managing major fundraising campaigns for Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, alongside consultancy work for education, medical research, heritage and membership organisations.  Amanda is also the lead trustee for fundraising at two charities based in Bucks and trustee of a local grant-making trust.  At Heart of Bucks she is responsible for managing and developing donor relationships.

Amy joined the Heart of Bucks team in August 2022, after recently graduating from university with a first-class honours degree in sociology. As one of our team of Programmes Officers, Amy is responsible for working with local organisations applying to our grant and loan programmes, assessing applications and supporting groups with advice.

Anna joined the team in June 2019 and is responsible for the financial operations at Heart of Bucks. Anna is a chartered accountant with prior experience in both the commercial and charity sectors, having worked at KPMG, the 2012 Olympics, the Sydney Opera House and Herts Mind Network. She works closely with the Treasurer and the Finance and Investment Committee to manage the finances at Heart of Bucks and provide meaningful and accurate reporting.

After more than 10-years working in marketing including at one of the UK’s largest charities, Bethany took some time out to retrain as a Nutritional Therapist. She then combined her marketing skills and passion for wellbeing by running her own nutrition consultancy. She’s excited to be working back in the charity sector and as Development Project Manager, Bethany oversees key campaigns and events for the Heart of Bucks Development Team.

Carolyn came to Heart of Bucks in 2017 bringing a broad range of experience of charity and public sector management and governance in a range of areas including homelessness, drug and alcohol recovery, community forums, older people’s services and advocacy. Carolyn is responsible for our operations, HR and governance, ensuring that Heart of Bucks continues to deliver a great quality service to our donors, grant beneficiaries, board of trustees and supporters.

Daniel joined the team in July 2022, after spending 16 years working as a video technician and social media marketer at his family’s business. Daniel brings knowledge of design and digital marketing, as well as excellent customer service skills. He produces and creates our social media content across all platforms, helps with website maintenance, and assists with organising and delivering our internal and external conferences and events.

Grace joined the Heart of Bucks in September 2023. Qualified in Early years she has managed various childcare settings, shaping the lives of many children and young people. Also, with a passion for fitness, a qualified personal trainer specialising in young people’s fitness. She brings her enthusiasm for children and young people to Heart of Bucks’ as she is leading our latest project The Young Futures Fund.

Henry joined the team in September 2019 having spent his career working in local government in Bucks. He has experience in delivering a diverse range of public services and charity programmes. At Heart of Bucks, he leads on strategy, external partnerships, and growth, and is committed to providing extensive financial resources to the local charity sector.

Josh joined the team in August 2022, after recently graduating from his degree with a first-class honours in Financial Trading & Investment Management. Josh brings with him a good depth of knowledge in finance and investment, and knows how to apply himself when working with numerical data and excel. He is responsible for carrying out due diligence checks on grant applications, and assists with financial payments for small funds, among other activities.

Karen has extensive knowledge of the charity sector. Her roles have included working as a CEO for Aylesbury Homeless Action Group and Bucks Food Partnership. She also has been a trustee for a local charity within Bucks. Her enthusiasm for the charity sector and the difference that it makes to the local community is what attracted her to this post. She is really looking forward to the opportunity to support VCSE organisations by using a data led approach to support them to make the biggest impact and better-informed decisions.

Kate joined the Heart of Bucks team in July 2021, bringing with her a range of experience in administration and finance from the corporate and charity sectors. She is responsible for our day to day financial transactions, including processing payments and donations, as well carrying out financial due diligence checks on grant applications.

Keerin was born and raised in Bucks, and has a wide network of Bucks-based connections. She has experience in the public sector, with special schools, education and skills and the local natural environment. She is enthusiastic about supporting environmental causes which help to promote conservation in the Chilterns.

Lauren has worked in marketing roles within the charity sector for a number of years and joined the Heart of Bucks team in 2018. Lauren ensures that Heart of Bucks has a strong and coherent public profile through the design and creation of our digital and printed content, including newsletters, publications and videos, as well as brand management and media relationships. In addition to managing the Heart of Bucks brand, Lauren supports with the efficient delivery of events, such as our annual reception.

Liah joined Heart of Bucks in August 2024, after working in the public sector for many years. Graduating with an honours degree in Neuroscience and Psychology, Liah brings a blend of scientific knowledge combined with a passion for creating positive change. Liah is responsible for curating our impact reports whilst working to increase the type and variety of our external partnerships to continue strengthening our community.

Following a number of years in the corporate sector, Maria originally joined Heart of Bucks in 2017 on a 12 month contract and returned as a Grants Officer in August 2020. Maria is primarily responsible for our individual crisis fund programmes and works closely with our network of Community Advocates to support them through the application process for these funds. Maria’s role also involves the assessment of grant applications as well as financial monitoring for all grants awarded.

Olivia joined the team in September 2024 and brings with her experience from the public sector. As a Programmes Officer, she is responsible for liaising with organisations requesting funding and assessing grant applications. Olivia has previous experience working in a prison and has a keen interest in helping those who are underprivileged and socially isolated. Olivia is currently completing an Open University degree in Criminology and Social Science and is particularly interested in overcoming social isolation for drug users.

Richard joined Heart of Bucks in April 2024, with a research background in History and professional experience in retail management. As Policy & Insight Manager he manages the National Lottery funded Listen, Engage, Act project, combining community outreach with data insight to help inform funding decisions across the county’s VCSE sector. He is especially passionate about supporting the voices of grassroots charities and engaging less represented groups.

Moir is a retired police officer with over 30 years of experience working with local communities and was subsequently a Director of Investigations for the Independent Police Complaints Commission. Moir has lived in Penn for 28 years and is a volunteer with Penn & Tylers Green Village Care. Moir was appointed a trustee in March 2019 and became Chair in September 2021. Moir enjoys making a positive contribution to the work of Heart of Bucks.

Robert was appointed a trustee in 2017 and is Chairman of the Finance Committee, he also became Vice Chair in March 2021. An investment banker for 30 years he has lived in Penn, Bucks since 1987 and is currently also a trustee of Penn Residents Society.

Philip was appointed as a trustee in 2017 having assisted with Heart of Bucks’ financial recording on a voluntary basis since his retirement in 2014. His career in finance and accounting included 25 years working with BP and 11 years in a local grammar school.

Mark has worked in high street banking all of his working life and for the last 20 years has lived and worked in Buckinghamshire. He is married with three daughters, who are all state educated in the High Wycombe area. Mark has been fortunate enough to work with many local businesses and individuals and Heart of Bucks gives him an opportunity to give something back to the community. Mark is Chair of the Grants Committee and Social Investment Committee.

Lucy is a qualified solicitor and partner of the private client team at a regional law firm based in Gerrards Cross, specialising in wills, estate planning and trusts. Lucy has lived and worked locally her whole life and is a keen cook in her spare time.

Annalise is the Director of The Philanthropy Company, advising charities of all shapes and sizes on growing income to achieve their vision. Annalise lives in Wendover, is passionate about the arts, and enjoys sharing a love of singing through a community choir she has helped to form with local mums.

Pippa has enjoyed a successful career in food manufacturing and retail and as a Product Development Specialist has worked for United Biscuits, Grand Metropolitan, Northern Foods and Marks and Spencer. Since retiring Pippa has worked for Citizens Advice as a Money Advice Caseworker, as well as supporting Sense; the deafblindness charity. She has also been a governor of a number of schools, most recently the Beacon where she chaired the Admissions and Marketing Committee. Pippa is also the lead trustee for our fundraising programme.

Annie has worked for nine years as a project manager and advisor at the OECD in Paris, working with governments in Central, South and Southeast Asia to develop structural policies – first, with a focus on private sector development, and then with a focus on improving education and skills outcomes. She holds an MSc from the LSE, and speaks basic French, Italian and Hindi. She currently also serves as a Skills Governor at Woodside Junior School, Amersham.

George has been a resident of Buckinghamshire for 32 years and was recently the 2021 – 2022 High Sheriff. He is involved in a number of charitable and not-for-profit organisations in Buckinghamshire and the UK, since retiring as a partner of a global private equity investment firm.

Kathryn has been a grants panel member for Heart of Bucks since 2018 and became a Trustee in 2024. Born and educated in Buckinghamshire, Kathryn worked in marketing and events for the National Trust for 15 years, and has been involved with a number of local charities, both in a working capacity and on a voluntary basis.

Kathryn provides support to His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire and has particularly enjoyed discovering more about the county and its communities through this role.

Pip has been a Trustee for Heart of Bucks since 2024, she is a corporate partnerships professional who has worked within the charity sector and more recently for large corporations such as Ernst and Young and Morgan Stanley, leading their corporate partnerships and sponsorship portfolios. Pip was also formerly a corporate lawyer. She now lives in Buckinghamshire with her young family having moved there in 2018.

I volunteered as a panel member to gain insight into how funding decisions are made and the criteria used to allocate resources. With a strong understanding of community needs, I am eager to contribute my knowledge to support decision-makers in funding grassroots projects in Buckinghamshire. Additionally, I aim to deepen my understanding of grants and funding processes to apply this knowledge within my community.

I joined Heart of Bucks with a strong background in property development and investment. As the Managing Director of Jansons Property, I have led numerous projects across Buckinghamshire, demonstrating my commitment to the region. With a passion for responsible development and community growth, I bring valuable expertise to the grants panel. I am also the founder of Myocarditis UK, reflecting my dedication to charitable causes beyond my professional work.

Having lived in Buckinghamshire all my life and now bringing up my children here, I feel a strong connection to the county and the wealth of organisations which I have discovered doing incredible work supporting our communities and improving the lives of residents.  Heart of Bucks provides a vital service helping donors of all kinds to engage with local causes and making Buckinghamshire a better place to live and work.  It is an honour and a privilege to be a small part of this.

With 30+ years in banking and 14 years at Community Impact Bucks, I have dedicated my career to supporting community organisations in securing funding. A trustee of my local village hall for 40+ years and Treasurer for four organisations, I use my experience to review grant applications, ensuring value for money and community benefit, while offering constructive feedback to applicants to support future projects and funding opportunities.

Born in Australia and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand, I moved to the UK in 2012 and now live in a North Bucks village. With a background in family philanthropy, grant-making, and charity governance, I currently work for a small foundation funding agroecology projects in the UK. A former trustee of Bucks Food Partnership, and I also helped develop the Bucks Data Exchange.

I’m Passionate about philanthropy, social justice, climate, and food systems. Outside work, I enjoy gardening and keeping up with my energetic toddler.

With 38 years of experience in Human Resources in the Royal Air Force, I bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to my community work. Already active in several voluntary roles, I am eager to contribute further by applying my life experience to grant funding for worthy causes. Since retiring, I enjoy traveling, staying active at the gym, competing in HYROX events, taking part in pub quizzes, and gardening.

I have spent most of my working life in the chemicals industry and the environmental sector. Having retired, I am interested in using my knowledge and energy to support local communities and small businesses. In my free time, I enjoy cycling, playing golf, and exploring the local area with my dog, Molly. As a panel member, I am committed to helping direct valuable funding to the people and communities that need it most. I look forward to learning about the range of projects and initiatives seeking funding, and, where possible, improving their impact on the ground.

After 43 years in the IT industry, I retired at the end of 2023 and wanted to get more involved with local charities. Joining Heart of Bucks as a panel member was the perfect opportunity to support great causes and see the impact of funding firsthand. In my spare time, I chair my local Village Hall, enjoy photography and sports—especially rugby—and still play football every Thursday.

With over a decade of experience in finance, I have worked with leading companies like Netflix, St Ives, and CPM. I am also the founder of MoneyHeave, an organisation dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their financial well-being. Beyond finance, I am passionate about producing socially impactful Film and TV projects. I am excited to support the community, and love the amazing work Heart of Bucks does.

I have experience in a range of areas such as accountancy, education, nutrition and project management, alongside being a mum to three children. I joined the grants panel at Heart of Bucks to contribute to the decision-making process, helping allocate funds to incredible charities across Buckinghamshire. I truly love this role and the impact it has on local communities. In my spare time, I enjoy keeping fit, practicing yoga, cooking, and spending quality time with my family.

I am passionate about helping people in need, and have worked as a charity fundraiser for 14 years. As a Buckinghamshire resident, I am keen to give back to the local community, so volunteering on the Heart of Bucks Grants Panel seemed an excellent opportunity to do just that. I am looking forward to learning about the amazing work being delivered by charities across Buckinghamshire.

I have been involved with charities throughout my career and into retirement. With a background as a scientist and Marketing Manager in pharmaceuticals (dermatology), I have since dedicated my time to volunteering, earning both a Queen’s and King’s Award for Voluntary Service, and have become a trustee. I bring both corporate and volunteer experience to the grants panels, ensuring informed and impactful decision-making.