Our Staff
We are a highly skilled and flexible team, who have collectively accrued over 80 years’ professional experience in the business of grant administration. You can find out more about our dedicated staff below:
Matt Young, Chief Executive
Matt has been with GrantScape since 2001 and is responsible for the continual development and ongoing success of the Charity. He delivers the strategy set by our Trustees, and ensures our high level of governance is sustained. Matt represents GrantScape at various networks and associations, including ADEB, the association that represents funders from the Landfill Communities Fund – a £40 million per year England and Northern Ireland wide-scheme. He is also a Director of the Community Voluntary Service Bedfordshire, since 2014.
Matt is also responsible for all new business development opportunities, so whether you would like to speak to us about managing your community funds, require a bespoke consultancy service, or just want a chat for some advice, please contact matt.young@grantscape.org.uk.
Liz Payne, Grant Director
Liz is responsible for the overall delivery of all grant programmes and operations within the charity. She heads up the grant team and is extremely experienced in all aspects of grant-making, having accumulated over 19 years’ practice within GrantScape and other funding organisations. She is also the main contact for the Walney Extension Community Fund and the Burbo Bank Extension Community Fund, both funds being made possible by donations from Ørsted.
Liz works part-time, usually Monday to Thursday.
email: liz.payne@grantscape.org.uk
Andrew Wallis, Finance Director
Andrew joined us in 2017 and comes with a financial background in the Leisure Industry. He is also our Company Secretary, and with Liz, Matt and Tina, makes up the Senior Management Team.
Andrew works part-time, normally Wednesday to Friday.
email: andrew.wallis@grantscape.org.uk
Debbie Clare, Finance Assistant
Debbie manages the day-to-day accounts, payroll and processing of grant claims for payment. She joined the Charity in July 2017 and works part-time, Tuesday to Thursday.
email: debbie.clare@grantscape.org.uk
Tina Knibbs, Marketing & Business Development Director
Tina has been with us since 2002. She is responsible for our website structure and content, all promotional and marketing materials, and the development and oversight of our grants database. She also works with the Chief Executive in identifying and delivering new business opportunities.
Tina works part-time, usually Monday to Thursday.
email: tina.knibbs@grantscape.org.uk
Sara Watts, Grant Manager
As Grant Manager, Sara supports the operational development of the charity as it grows. Sara joined us in November 2017 and works part time, Wednesday to Friday.
email: sara.watts@grantscape.org.uk
Karen Roberts, Senior Grant Officer
Karen is one of GrantScape’s three Senior Grant Officers. She joined the Charity in August 2017 and is the main contact for the Mick George Community Fund and the Augean Community Fund.
Karen works part-time, Monday to Wednesday.
email: karen.roberts@grantscape.org.uk
Laura Farrell, Senior Grant Officer
Laura joined the charity in February 2019. Laura has a background in operational and volunteer coordination in the Arts and Heritage sector and has always had a keen interest in the fundraising process. Laura is now the main contact for the East Coast Community Fund and works full time.
email: laura.farrell@grantscape.org.uk
Michelle Haskins, Senior Grant Officer
Michelle joined GrantScape in January 2023 and is one of our Senior Grant Officers. She brings 19 years of grant administration experience to the team – specifically the Landfill Communities Fund and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.
Michelle’s usual working days are Monday to Thursday.
email: michelle.haskins@grantscape.org.uk
Lisa Helyar, Grant Officer
Lisa joined GrantScape in January 2023 along with Michelle and is a Grant Officer. With 17 years of grant administration experience, specifically in the Landfill Communities Fund and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.
Lisa’s usual working days are Monday to Thursday.
email: lisa.helyar@grantscape.org.uk
Kim Wilkinson, Grant Administrator
Kim helps keep our office running smoothly. She deals with telephone enquiries and undertakes the initial first stage assessments of all grant applications.
Kim works part-time, normally Monday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.
email: kim.wilkinson@grantscape.org.uk
In additional to our paid staff, we have over 180 volunteers who represent their communities on local Grant Panels across the range of Community Funds that we administer throughout England and Wales. Their help and advice in the decision making process is absolutely vital to ensure the grants awarded are to the most worthwhile and important community and environmental projects. We are continually grateful for their ongoing support. Details of the members of our Grant Panels can be found on the specific Fund pages.
As a registered charity, we are governed by a Board of Trustees. For more information about our Board members, please click here
