Educational grant-maker The Ernest Cook Trust has made a key new appointment, to lead a step change in its profile and shape discussions on outdoor learning, training and land use.
The Trust, based in Gloucestershire, has created a new Director of Communications role, and appointed charity brand and communications specialist Isobel Stewart. Also appointed to the Trust, as new Director of Finance, is Louisa McCann.
Isobel joins The Ernest Cook Trust after more than seven years with Save the Children, including six with Save the Children UK and latterly with Save the Children International, as the charity’s Head of Integrated Planning and Strategy.
In her new role, she hopes to shift perceptions of the Trust’s work, connecting the story of its land stewardship with its provision of outdoor learning and training.
She said: “The land we own is as much our purpose as it is an enabler to do good things. When we bring the land and the learning together, in a holistic way, we have a lot to share and engage people with.”
The Ernest Cook Trust uses its 9,000 hectares of land to generate income for its charitable work, host outdoor learning and training, and foster sustainable farming and land use.
In 2023/24 the Trust invested £3.6m in helping young people connect with nature, of which £2m was awarded in grants, with the remainder funding direct delivery of the Trust’s outdoor learning programmes, often in partnership with other providers.
Isobel said she is looking forward to her new role, with a charity which supports young people and aligns with her values.
“The ethos of The Ernest Cook Trust is very close to home, as I have two young children and I absolutely understand the value of them being outside as much as possible, in the countryside.”
New Director of Finance, Louisa McCann, has an extensive background in charity finance, including with learning disabilities charity Hft and, most recently, Bristol Old Vic.
She said: “I relish the opportunity to play a small part in securing the long term financial sustainability of the Trust so that more young people have the opportunity to find their futures in nature.”
The Ernest Cook Trust Chief Executive Ed Ikin said: “I am delighted to have new colleagues with the experience of Isobel and Louisa to support our growth and raise our profile.”