Sarah Nelson

CEO

Bio

Sarah joined the Foundation for Future London in 2020 as Director of Programmes and Communications, where she led the design and delivery of funding, placemaking and communications strategies, including the Foundation’s landmark £10 million investment programme with Westfield Stratford City. She built strong, lasting relationships with stakeholders, partners and grantees, helping to strengthen the Foundation’s impact across East London.

Appointed Chief Executive in 2023, Sarah brings over 15 years’ senior leadership experience across the public and charity sectors. She began her career with Derbyshire Probation Service after completing an MA in Social Policy and Criminology, before taking on diverse roles including drug rehabilitation practitioner, crime prevention specialist with Derbyshire Police, Chief Executive of a Business Improvement District in the Midlands, and Director of Programmes at a London-based regeneration consultancy.

Throughout her career, Sarah has been dedicated to supporting people, communities and businesses to create equitable, sustainable and thriving places. Her particular passion lies in social and situational criminal justice, community engagement, and regeneration.

Beyond her role at the Foundation, Sarah serves as a Justice of the Peace on the Nottinghamshire bench. She is also Chair of New Dawn New Day, a women’s charity in the East Midlands supporting trauma-informed criminal justice approaches, and Trustee of Start Young UK, an East London charity empowering young people to achieve their potential.

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys exploring her creative side, she has even completed a professional interior design course with the British College of Interior Design.

Role

Sarah was appointed CEO in 2024 and is responsible for setting the Foundation’s strategic direction, overseeing day-to-day operations, and driving fundraising and partnership development. She reports to the Board of Trustees and leads the core team, ensuring the Foundation delivers on its mission and maximises its impact for communities.

Ask her about

Sarah’s professional expertise lies in place management, with a particular focus on social policy and criminal justice. She is also passionate about stakeholder engagement and leadership development.

We love East London

For Sarah, working in East London is never dull. She loves its rich mix of cultures and communities, and the way the area’s diversity makes it such a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive place to live, work, play and visit.

Did you know…

Outside of work, Sarah juggles life with her nine-year-old daughter and a lively household that includes an Old English Sheepdog, a Newfoundland, a Bearded Dragon and a rabbit. When she gets the chance, she enjoys spending time with friends, travelling, swimming and occasionally scuba diving.

Photo credit: Anne-Marie Michel