Trustee spotlight: Simon Sperryn - Cambridgeshire Community Foundation

Simon Sperryn brings decades of leadership experience to his role as a Trustee of Cambridgeshire Community Foundation. We caught up with him to find out more about his role at the Foundation, how he got involved and what he feels he’s brought to the role and the work we do.

After 30 years as Chief Executive of a succession of Chambers of Commerce and professional bodies, and a post as CEO of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Simon joined the Foundation’s board in 2024.

Simon chairs the Board committee dealing with donor development, marketing and communications.

When asked what motivated him to join the board of Trustees, Simon draws on his long career working alongside businesses of all sizes.

“My career gave me the experience of seeing the practical difficulties facing businesses that want to get involved in outside efforts.” he tells us, continuing that “Businesses and business people have invaluable resources, but it can be hard to ensure that their contribution will deliver real change.”

So when Simon learned more about the Foundation, it felt like the perfect fit – “I was excited to find an organisation fulfilling this role locally in my county – enabling philanthropists, whether individuals or corporates, to make sure their generosity goes to the right initiatives and really helps to transform local communities.”

Inspired by grassroots action

Having seen first hand the work the Foundation has done to support hundreds of local groups throughout its 20-year history, Simon has found his involvement deeply rewarding, especially in seeing the impact of local community leaders and volunteers:

“I love meeting the unsung heroes who spend their lives doing practical things to address disadvantage in their community” he tells us, “these people change the world.”

Uncovering hidden inequalities

One of the most eye-opening moments for Simon came through reading the Foundation’s research into inequality across the county.

“It is shocking that life expectancy in the most deprived areas of our county is 12 years less than in the most wealthy areas, or that, in Peterborough, the number of rough sleepers is triple the average for England.” He adds, “I am proud that, last year, the Foundation made grants totalling £4m to local good causes which tackle problems like these.”

On a personal level, Simon says the experience of being a Trustee has been humbling. “I feel privileged to be supporting, however remotely, the efforts of people whose generosity and kindness changes lives for the better.”

Looking ahead, he’s passionate about engaging the local business community even further:

“I would like every employer in the county to give money and staff time to support the well-being of people in Cambridgeshire who are vulnerable or in need, and I would like every local company and every private donor to benefit from the strategic role Cambridgeshire Community Foundation plays in ensuring that every donation, large or small, helps drive real change.”

“
I feel privileged to be supporting the efforts of people whose generosity and kindness changes lives for the better.
”
Simon Sperryn
Trustee for Cambridgeshire Community Foundation

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