Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust - the charity which strives to enhance the quality of life for residents of Sutton Coldfield - has appointed a new grants manager.

Clare Haines has taken up the role, succeeding David Cole, who is retiring after almost five years of service.

The appointment will see the Trust, which has a heritage of almost 500 years, continue to manage a range of grant programmes to benefit the area and its residents.

This year, the Trust has awarded more than £1,000,000 to local beneficiaries around Sutton Coldfield.

Clare boasts more than 13 years’ experience in the grants and funding sector - working with national organisations such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund to more locally as a community development officer supporting local neighbourhoods, as well as working as a trustee for Middleton Hall and Garden grounds.

Clare will predominantly focus on assessing grant applications as well as preparing grant papers for consideration at the Trust’s Grant Committee meetings.

She said: “Having previously worked on the assessment side of the application and project process as a Grants Officer and then also on the project delivery side as a Project Officer, I feel I can bring a 360 degree viewpoint to the grant lifecycle process, with a solid understanding of the needs and requirements of the funder but also of the grant recipient, who has the task of delivering the outputs and achieving the outcomes.”

“I also hope to bring a good level of understanding on the challenges facing the sector and the relevant support required, thanks to my experience supporting a range of voluntary and community organisations.

“I’m looking forward to working with and supporting groups and organisations that have the potential to make a positive impact in the local community, as well as developing relationships with potential recipients to understand their challenges and supporting their aims and vision where possible.”

Tina Swani, chief executive of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, said: “The Trust’s vision is to enhance the quality of life for all in Sutton Coldfield and our Grants Manager is instrumental in helping us to achieve this. We’re delighted to welcome Clare to the team and are sure she will take to the role brilliantly given her extensive experience and obvious passion for this vital work.”