It's time to put faces to names!
The support and opportunities we offer our charity partners and employee supporters is only made possible by the commitment shown by each and every member of the ZCT team.
To help you put faces to names, you can learn more about us below, including which team member to contact regarding the various programmes and partnerships we manage...
IMPORTANT: We do not accept any grant funding applications via email or otherwise, outside of our internal partnership selection process. However, there are other avenues of support available through other organisations, and we wish you luck with your search for funding.
Acting Head of Zurich Community Trust
Samantha Owen
Samantha Owen
Sammi has recently joined the Zurich Community Trust team to cover for Laurie during her maternity leave.
She is deeply passionate about the charity sector and brings a wealth of experience from previous community focused roles. This includes managing grant-making and employee engagement programmes for HSBC, leading the CSR team at Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and serving as a Social Investment Manager for Nationwide Building Society.
Head of Zurich Community Trust (currently on maternity leave)
Laurie Deans
Laurie Deans
Laurie joined as Head of the Trust in March 2024, bringing with her 19 years of experience from the Zurich UK business. Laurie embarked on her journey with Zurich many years ago as a graduate and dedicated eight years to rigorous actuarial training—an impressive feat! Driven by a desire to further her educational journey through developmental opportunities, Laurie became a member of the Trust Executive Committee which ignited her enthusiasm for working more closely with the ZCT team and having more of a direct impact on the community.
Executive Assistant to Laurie Deans
Leesa Boiston-Green
Leesa Boiston-Green
ZCT UK Engagement Manager
Jane Boulton
Jane Boulton
Sustainability, DEIB and Governance Manager
Carla Mandis
Carla Mandis
National Partnerships and Development Manager
Sarah Covington
Sarah Covington
Sarah has over 15 years experience in the Team, specialising in partnership management, employee engagement, and leading on UK transformation programmes. Sarah currently manages our national partnerships with Dementia UK, Magic Breakfast and Barnardo's. She also coordinates and leads on our More Than Money programme.
Volunteer and Partnership Manager for Leeds, Belfast, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow
Ben Wainman
Ben Wainman
Ben has been supporting ZCT for over 12 years. After being the committee chair in Leeds for over 10 years, he officially became a member of the ZCT team in October 2023. Well known and admired for his unwavering commitment to the community, he was awarded a global Community Champion Award in 2024.
Ben supports our locations in the midlands, northern regions and Belfast. He's a clear favourite with our charity partners and employees alike, with a wealth of experience of the Zurich UK business and the charity sector.