New Finance Manager to kickstart Charity Support Centre

Friday 02 October 2020

The Guernsey Community Foundation has appointed Lois Falla to manage and develop the island’s first Charity Support Centre.

The centre, located at the foundation’s offices, aims to offer practical advice and support to local charities and voluntary organisations.

During the pilot phase, Mrs Falla has been spending the majority of her time meeting with many of the island’s charities and identifying ways in which the centre can best support them.

“I am already providing accountancy services to some of the charities which will help me develop this specific service," she said. "Ultimately our aim is to provide all sorts of services to charities who lack support in a variety of fields from administration services, such as bookkeeping and payroll so that they can focus more of their time and resources on delivering their services to the community."

Mrs Falla has a background in accountancy, having co-founded and run public relations agency, Orchard PR, for 21 years before its management buyout in 2017. Since then she has been contract accounting while looking for an opening in the third sector. 

“I was keen to find a role where my professional skills and business experience could be used to benefit our community," she continued. "This is an incredibly privileged role. Living in Guernsey and having benefited from many opportunities I am honoured to be able to help those who support our community."

The Charities Support Centre has been funded by private donors who believe charities should benefit from the same professional services that the business sector enjoys.

“It is clear from my initial research that there are a vast range of needs within the third sector, some common and some circumstantial,” said Mrs Falla.

Foundation Director Alastair Bisson is managing the development of the new service along with a team of industry professionals and third sector specialists.

“There are over 400 charities on the island," he added. "While they differ in size and offer a diverse range of services, they share certain common needs, especially around corporate infrastructure and governance. It’s not feasible for newer or small charities to recruit dedicated staff, or to rely on the generosity of volunteers – and that’s where the Foundation’s new support service comes in.

“Lois joins us with a great deal of passion for the third sector.  She has been making great inroads into their needs and is identify ways in which the centre can best support them.  We are delighted to have her on board.”

For more information about the services provided by the Charity Support Centre contact lois@foundation.gg or call 07781 121512.

Pictured top: Lois Falla.