St Loye’s Foundation names new Chief Exec

St Loye’s Foundation is pleased to announce that Eilis Rainsford will be its next Chief Executive from July.

Eilis joins St Loye’s Foundation from the mental health charity Community Care Trust (South West) Ltd where she has been Chief Executive since 2009. 

Eilis has more than 25 years’ experience in senior management and leadership roles in the voluntary, health and social care sectors.  She started her career in nursing.

She will lead a newly-formed group structure bringing together St Loye’s Foundation and the Community Care Trust (South West) Ltd.  Eilis will remain Chief Executive of the Community Care Trust (South West) Ltd.

Graham Faulkner, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said: “I am delighted that Eilis will be joining St Loye’s as CEO in succession to Chris Knee.  Eilis already knows us well from the collaborative work that we have undertaken with the Community Care Trust.

“Her vision and energy will be vital assets in taking the combined organisations forward and I am convinced that she will make a significant contribution to the future of the charity. I very much look forward to working with her."

Eilis Rainsford said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to become the next Chief Executive of St Loye’s Foundation. St Loye’s Foundation has a long and proud history in supporting people to overcome the barriers they may face to achieve independence, employment and well being in our communities.

“I very much look forward to joining St Loye’s and I very much look forward to playing my part in leading the charity into the future.”

Eilis succeeds Christopher Knee, who is retiring after eight years leading St Loye’s Foundation.

St Loye’s Foundation and Community Care Trust (South West) Ltd recently joined together to help improve the independence and well-being of more people with complex needs. The new group structure will enable the delivery of enhanced specialist support, training and employment services to more people in the future.

St Loye’s Foundation is a charity that helps disabled and disadvantaged people to transform their lives. We help people to fulfil their potential, achieve their aspirations and live more independently at home, at work and in the community. For more about us, please see: www.stloyes.org.uk