It has been an exciting and transformative period for Quartet. In this update, I share more about our priorities for the years ahead, the opportunities we see across the West of England, and the talented people helping to shape Quartet’s future.
What’s new at Quartet?
Quite a lot.
We have launched an ambitious new strategy for 2026–2029, developed collaboratively with our Board and staff team. At its heart is a commitment to responding to the evolving needs of our communities by growing place-based giving and increasing our endowment, enabling us to distribute more funding to local causes.
While Bristol remains central to Quartet’s identity and mission, we also want to deepen our impact across the whole of Quartet’s region. In particular, we will be strengthening our presence in North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and the rural communities of Bath and North East Somerset, areas where disadvantage and exclusion from services can often be less visible, but no less significant.
Alongside this, we are committed to engaging with more philanthropists across the region to help build a stronger culture of local giving. Achieving our ambitions will require us to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones, from professional advisers such as solicitors, accountants and wealth managers, through to regional organisations, including the new West of England Combined Authority administration and fellow community foundations across the South West.
To support this work, we have created a dedicated full time role: Head of Professional Adviser Partnerships focused on working with PAs and exploring opportunities around legacy and intergenerational giving, ensuring more people can make a lasting difference in the communities they care about.
Who’s new at Quartet?
Again, there has been plenty of positive change.
Lucy Saunders has joined us as our new Director of Development, bringing extensive experience in fundraising, legacy giving and with the wider charitable sector across the region. Her expertise aligns perfectly with our new strategic direction, and she is already making a significant contribution, raising awareness of Quartet’s work beyond Bristol and strengthening our Leadership Team.
We are also delighted to welcome Lisa Grizzell as our new Head of Finance. Lisa is helping to take our financial operations to the next level, ensuring we continue to provide the robust stewardship and support our donors and partners expect.
And last, but certainly not least, I am pleased to welcome our new Chair of Trustees, Richard Tredwin. Richard has already demonstrated a strong commitment to our vision and strategy as a donor and a board member, and I am confident he will bring valuable insight, energy and leadership to the organisation. I look forward to working closely with him over the coming years.
As we look ahead, I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of our outgoing Chair, Sue Mountstevens. Sue has been an invaluable supporter, advisor and champion of Quartet, and I am deeply grateful for her dedication and guidance.
What does the future look like?
It’s an exciting time for Quartet and I am tremendously optimistic about the future. Our new strategy provides a clear roadmap for growth and impact, and with the passion, expertise and commitment of our staff, trustees, donors and partners, I am confident that we can help more communities thrive across the West of England for many years to come.