After 13 years of exceptional leadership, Clare de Bathe will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of Chichester Community Development Trust (CCDT). Clare has played a pivotal role in building CCDT from the ground up – from its earliest days of planning and regeneration to the vibrant, community-focused charity it is today. The Board of Trustees and I are deeply grateful for her vision, determination, and everything she has helped us achieve together. During her tenure, Clare oversaw the transformation of key spaces that now sit at the heart of community life – from the restoration of Graylingwell Chapel, now a thriving hub for community and connection, to the development of The Pavilion, a vital health and wellbeing resource for Chichester.
We’re pleased to share that Clare will continue to play a part in CCDT’s future as a trusted advisor. She will provide support as needed on our asset transfer and capital build projects, with a focus on the exciting developments ahead – including the transformation of Marchwell Studios, the Red Brick Pavilion at Priory Park, and the Water Tower – all spaces with the potential to benefit our community for generations to come.
During August, Clare will be taking up a new post in a local charity and we wish her every success in this new chapter.
As CCDT moves from its planning-led roots into a new phase focused on service delivery and long-term sustainability, CCDT will continue to build on the strong foundations Clare has laid. This shift means placing less emphasis on traditional fundraising and grant applications, and more on ensuring our community assets generate the income needed to support their future.
As part of this transition, we also offer a heartfelt thank you to Claire Robinson, who left the organisation in May. Claire made a valued contribution to CCDT over the years, and we wish her every success with her new venture Sonic Space CIC.
Looking ahead, the Board of Trustees and I are pleased to announce that Liz Woodsell, currently CCDT’s Operations Director, will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer from 1 September 2025. Liz brings a wealth of commercial and operational experience, particularly from the hospitality sector, where she has a proven track record of enhancing service delivery, driving performance, and increasing profitability. Her excellent communication skills, strategic insight, and deep understanding of how to support businesses to maximise opportunities have already made a strong impact at CCDT.
Her expertise is ideally suited to this next chapter for CCDT – one that focuses on service, accessibility, and ensuring our spaces and programmes are shaped by and for the people who use them.
As we embrace this new era, Liz – alongside our dedicated and proactive team – will lead the way in ensuring community assets like the Chapel, Pavilion, Chichester Shed, and Community Hall, as well as future developments, are inclusive, well-used, and financially sustainable. Our goal remains clear: to enable local people, groups, and enterprises to thrive within our shared spaces, creating brighter futures for everyone.
This is a pivotal and exciting moment for CCDT – one of renewal, opportunity, and continued commitment to the people and places we serve. With your ongoing support, we look forward to growing in relevance, resilience, and reach, together.
