Sarah Nelson

Sarah Nelson, CEO, Foundation for Future London

Sarah joined the Foundation for Future London in 2020 as Director of Programmes and Communications, where she led the design and delivery of funding, placemaking and communications strategies, including the Foundation’s landmark £10 million investment programme with Westfield Stratford City. She built strong, lasting relationships with stakeholders, partners and grantees, helping to strengthen the Foundation’s impact across East London.

Appointed Chief Executive in 2023, Sarah brings over 15 years’ senior leadership experience across the public and charity sectors, with origins in the criminal justice sector. Beyond her role at the Foundation, Sarah serves as a Justice of the Peace on the Nottinghamshire bench. She is also Chair of New Dawn New Day, a women’s charity in the East Midlands supporting trauma-informed criminal justice approaches, and Trustee of Start Young UK, an East London charity empowering young people to achieve their potential.

Throughout her career, Sarah has been dedicated to supporting people, communities and businesses to create equitable, sustainable and thriving places. Her particular passion lies in social and situational criminal justice, community engagement, and regeneration.