Will Folkes

What’s your role at Chailey Heritage Foundation and what does it involve?

The relatively recently created role of Director of Specialist Services and Income covers a wide range of areas.

I am lucky to work with all the specialist therapeutic services including Hydrotherapy, Hippotherapy, Patchwork Farm, and Rebound therapy, which provide incredible opportunities for the young people to achieve their goals outside of a traditional classroom environment. I also lead the brilliant Activity Place team who provide accessible, meaningful and, most importantly, fun activities for customers from the wider community.

The income element of the job includes fundraising, connecting with our generous supporters to fund many of the services, facilities, equipment, and experiences we offer for children and young people. I also develop opportunities to support the work of the Foundation via other income streams which make the most of our knowledge, skills, and facilities, sharing expertise and access with the wider disability community.

Could you share a little bit about your career history?

After 20 years in commercial sales and leadership roles across diverse industries including business information, financial services, alternative gifts, and coffee, I made the decision to transfer my commercial skills into the third sector via fundraising.

Since 2021 I have been at Chailey Heritage Foundation, first leading the fundraising department and, since 2024, as Director of Specialist Services & Income, a role which gives me an opportunity to draw on all the elements of my career to date.

What’s your favourite thing to do outside work?

As well as spending time with the family and walking the dogs, I try to play tennis regularly. I love following my children’s musical, sporting, and performing exploits and I am an armchair rugby fan.

Can you sum up in one sentence what makes Chailey Heritage Foundation a great place to work?

Chailey is a joyous place to work, where every day you see children and young people achieve amazing things, supported by a dedicated team of colleagues who go the extra mile to make a real difference.