We're pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Poole as our new Chief Executive, following a highly competitive recruitment process. Matthew will take up the post on 14 March 2026, succeeding Sara Aspley, who stepped down last November after seven years in the role.
Matthew is currently Director of Programmes and Grants at The Youth Futures Foundation. Previously, he held senior roles in UK grantmaking, including at The National Lottery Community Fund and prior to that, he led the development of Ageing Better in Birmingham whilst working at BVSC, delivering community-based initiatives to reduce loneliness and improve inclusion for older people.
Mark Tailby, Chair of Stratford Town Trust said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Matthew to the Trust. The Board were impressed by his wealth of relevant experience, his warmth, ideas and energy. He joins us at an exciting time at the Trust as we prepare to launch our new strategic plan and celebrate our 25th anniversary. We offer Matthew a very warm welcome and look forward to working together to continue creating a vibrant and connected community in Stratford-upon-Avon.’
Matthew Poole said: ‘I’m honoured to join Stratford Town Trust as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and prepare to launch a new strategy for the future. Together with trustees, staff, and our community, we’ll build partnerships, support incredible community projects, and create opportunities that make Stratford an even more vibrant, green, and connected place. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside others to turn that vision into reality.’