St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation appoints new trustees

THE St. James’s Place (SJP) Charitable Foundation has announced the appointment of three new trustees to the Board: Alison Wright, Matthew Fowler, and Michael Harper.

The new positions have been developed in recognition of the Foundation’s scale (one of the top 10 corporate foundations in the United Kingdom) and a desire to build on the skills and diversity of the existing Board. The new trustees will play a pivotal role as they work to develop a future-proof strategy for the Foundation; enabling it to evolve and widen its support through its grant-making programmes.

With a wealth of varied experience, the candidates have been selected from within SJP’s Partnership of advisers. Each holds close links with the Foundation, providing their own personal support over the years; from Everest treks and big walks to running events. They join with valuable insight into the aim of the Foundation in making transformational changes to people’s lives in the UK and overseas.

Commenting on the appointments, Andrew Humphries, Chair of Trustees, said:

“On behalf of the Trustee Board we are delighted to welcome our new trustees. It is an exciting time in our history and their experience and insight will be invaluable to us as we develop our future strategy and move forward, committed to creating increased impact through our grant-making.”

Michael Harper is a long-standing member of the SJP community and held the position of Charitable Foundation Representative between 2016 and 2020. Having joined the SJP Partnership over 20 years ago, Michael is now Managing Director at Bellamy Wealth Management.

Speaking on his new position, Mr Harper said:

“I’m looking forward to continuing the success of the Charitable Foundation and engaging more of the SJP Community through our actions in gifting, fundraising and supporting great charities.”

Alison Wright joins the Board of Trustees with 30 years of experience in financial services, having started her advising profession with Abbey National before joining SJP.

She is an avid supporter of the Foundation, commenting: 

“I am thrilled to have been appointed as a trustee of the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation. This is a charity that is very close to my heart, and one which I have been closely involved with since joining the business in 1998. I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to the Foundation and to make a meaningful difference during my tenure. I am looking forward to working with my fellow trustees, helping to evolve the Foundation and continue the good work it does in supporting a range of good causes.”

Matthew Fowler began his career in corporate banking with Lloyds Bank, before moving to BNP Paribas, where he achieved CFA Charterholder status. In 2016 he joined SJP’s Adviser Academy and established his successful multi adviser Partner practice the same year.

For Matthew, becoming a trustee is a ‘privilege’, commenting further:

“I feel humbled, we have a wonderful history that I’m proud of, and an exciting future that I’m excited to help shape.”

To learn more about the work and impact of the SJP Charitable Foundation, please visit www.sjpfoundation.co.uk.