Board Members Reappointed to The National Lottery Community Fund

11 May, 2026

The Board will work with Chair Dame Julia Cleverdon to guide the organisation to make a real difference, reaching communities in every part of the UK, and focusing support where the need is greatest.

The National Lottery Community Fund works within and alongside communities to strengthen society and build a better future, with funded projects supporting more than five million people across the UK each year.

Richard Collier-Keywood, Dame Helen Stephenson, Paul Sweeney, John Mothersole and Kate Still will continue to draw on their experiences from across the voluntary, public and private sectors and to support communities across the UK.

Together, they bring valuable expertise to the Fund including charity regulation, local government, the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and community development. The National Lottery Community Fund will continue to benefit from their knowledge and commitment.

Richard Collier-Keywood has been reappointed as a Member for an 18-month term. Richard chairs a number of prominent organisations, including the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Fair4All Finance, New Forest Care, and the Welsh Rugby Union. He also serves on the boards of the Women of the World Foundation and St George's House, Windsor Castle, and is a Non-Executive Director on the international board of Eversheds Sutherland LLP.

Dame Helen Stephenson has been reappointed as a Member for an 18-month term. Helen is a former Chief Executive and Board Member of the Charity Commission for England and Wales and previously held senior roles at the Department for Education and the Cabinet Office. She currently serves on the Board of the Independent Football Regulator and is a Trustee of The King's Foundation.

Paul Sweeney has been reappointed as a Member and Northern Ireland Committee Chair for a second four-year term. Paul has extensive experience across the voluntary, community, and public sectors in Northern Ireland, including senior roles in the Northern Ireland Civil Service as Permanent Secretary in both the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Department of Education.

John Mothersole's second term as a Member and England Committee Chair has been extended by two years. John has had a distinguished career in local government, most notably serving as Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council for 11 years. He currently chairs The Sheffield College and the Nature Towns and Cities Panel and is a Trustee of Historic Royal Palaces.

Kate Still's second term as a Member and Scotland Committee Chair has been extended by two years. With over 30 years of experience working with communities across grant-making, education, employability, and regeneration, Kate has held senior roles across the public, private, and charity sectors.