Our trustees and patrons are leading business people who play a crucial role in guiding the Foundation and in encouraging Solihull businesses to offer support.

We’re fortunate to have thirteen trustees and four patrons from a wide variety of professional backgrounds:

Glyn Pitchford, Trustee
Glyn Pitchford is non-executive chairman of four leading Midlands businesses, Countrywide Homes, BK Midlands (chartered surveyors), BRMB/Capital Gold and contaminated land remediation company Envirotreat.

A man of tremendous energy and drive, with a large network of business contacts, Glyn is committed to raising the profile of SCF among the business community.

Glyn is also an active member of many other business organisations, such as the CBI and Institute of Directors.

He’s also involved with a number of charities, as Chairman of Birmingham Citywatch Trust, as Chairman of Cash for Kids and as a member of the fundraising committee of St Basil’s, which works with homeless young people.

Glyn is married to Maggie, has two grown up sons, Simon and Chris, and lives in Solihull.

Norman Selwyn, Trustee
Norman Selwyn is a retired law lecturer from University of Aston and a prolific author of academic books on employment law.

A former magistrate, chairman of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal and immigration adjudicator, Norman’s logical mind and legal expertise helps to strengthen the administrative side of the Foundation’s work.

Norman, who has lived in Solihull for 35 years, is married to Judith and has three grown up children. He is a director of West Midlands Bridge Club and a trustee of Solihull Care.

Eric Baptiste, Trustee
Eric Baptiste, retired managing director of GKN Technology and current treasurer of St John Ambulance, works to widen the Foundation’s grant-giving activity.

Living with his wife Glena in Dorridge, Eric has two grown up children. He is a keen vintage and classic car owner.

Deborah Farley, Trustee
Deborah Farley is park manager at Blythe Valley Park, the new business park in Solihull. She was previously park manager at Birmingham Business Park for 12 years.

A brief spell at Social Services’ child protection unit in the north of the Borough convinced Deborah that SCF plays a vital role in trying to mitigate the effects of deprivation and poverty.

Deborah lives in Tile Cross and is a member of Coleshill Operatic Society.

Max Cope, Trustee
Max Cope is a former director of a Solihull-based building contractor.

Max is married with three young children and lives in Stratford upon Avon.

Keith Palmer, Patron
Founder member and first chair of the Foundation, Keith Palmer is now a patron. Founder director of Solihull company, Whale Tankers and a local magistrate, Keith plays a key role in recruiting high profile trustees to the board.

ADDITIONAL BIOGS NEEDED!