THE TEAM

The Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson JP

President

Mrs. Cartwright-Robinson was premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands between 2016 and 2021, and was TCI’s first female premier. Previously a lawyer, she later entered politics, chairing various committees in the Legislative Council, before being elected to the House of Assembly in 2012. She served as Leader of the Opposition from 2012 to 2016

The Hon. Claude Bambi Hogan MLA 

Vice President

Hon. Claude Hogan MLA was first elected to the Montserrat Legislative Assembly in 2001. He has served as a Cabinet Minister of the territory from 2014 to 2019 with responsibility for Agriculture, Trade and Housing. Hogan is a qualified Barrister-of-law (Lincoln's Inn); with previous work experience as a Trade Economist for the Caribbean nations in CARICOM. 

Andrew Fox 

Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Andrew Fox's background is in finance and investment, in particular in Russia and the Far East, and serves as Chairman of the Don Hanson Charitable Foundation who were instrumental in supporting the formation of FOTBOT.  Andrew has also served as British Honorary Consul in Vladivostok for twenty years. 

Simon Leary

Trustee

Simon has over thirty years of experience advising governments, NGOs, charity and the private sector on performance improvement, policy development, financing and transactions in multiple sectors. 

He has visited over one hundred countries and played active philanthropic roles in a number of these. Simon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and a Fellow of the RSA. He was educated at Cambridge University, London Business School and Insead. 

Albert Poggio GMH OBE

Trustee

Mr Albert Poggio sits as a Director on the Board of The Gibraltar Inward Investment Unit and is COO of The Gibraltar National Mint. Mr Poggio is Chairman of Calpe House Ltd and is responsible for overseeing the interests of the charity and its facilities "Calpe House", in Paddington, London, which offers home-from-home accommodation for patients and families from Gibraltar whilst in the United Kingdom for specialist medical treatment under the Gibraltar Health Authority Scheme.

Mr Poggio has been past-Chairman, and a founding member, of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA).  This Association represents the interests of the 12 remaining British Overseas Territories.  

Philip Smith

Chief Executive 

I founded FOTBOT in 2013 to develop relationships with British Overseas Territory (BOT) Citizens, especially students studying in the UK with the objective of establishing a sustainable project promoting BOT interests and supporting its young people. I am passionate about developing skills for younger people in particular providing coaching and mentoring to those without the necessary tools to help themselves. We are always on the lookout for active volunteers so please do get in touch if you would like to support the continued development of our services.

Will Radford

Deputy Chief Executive 

My interest in the British Overseas Territories comes from my love of history. These Territories have a rich past, exciting present, but sadly in some cases an uncertain future. I joined FOTBOT to raise awareness of the British Overseas Territories, in the hope that more public awareness will lead to a better deal for both the territories themselves, and for students from the Overseas Territories when they come to the UK to study.

James Lunn

Head of Finance 

James’ background is in financial regulation, mainly in the investment management / asset management space where he has been active for over 12 years. For over half that time he was working for the private equity and credit arm of an institutional asset management firm, working on infrastructure projects such as airports, railways, and telecoms, to name but a few. In addition to this work James has for the last three years acted as the Finance Director for a special needs education employment agency, working across London and the Home Counties. James’ interest in FOTBOT comes from a hope to foster greater understanding and awareness of the BOTs, and to promote their importance more widely.

Oliver Wilderspin 

Head of Outreach and Fundraising

As a student at the London School of Economics, I’m disappointed by the lack of knowledge young people have about the Overseas Territories, and I think FOTBOT can play an important role in bringing them to the public’s attention. Coming from Jersey, I’ve seen the challenges that small dependencies may face, and I believe that FOTBOT is an important organisation in bringing those challenges to the attention of politicians. So I’m delighted to be part of the FOTBOT team to help promote the importance of the Overseas Territories.   

Daniel Toft

Communications Manager


Since a young age, I’ve had an interest in the Overseas Territories. As a Politics student at Queen’s University Belfast, I am now particularly intrigued in the role they play in the United Kingdom’s international relations. I’m delighted to have joined FOTBOT to assist the team in bolstering our communications and increasing awareness of the territories.

Stephen Hodgson 

Advisor to the Chief Executive (Finance) 

I first started to learn about the British Overseas Territories after travelling to Gibraltar and I was immediately hooked. There are more than 250,000 British citizens living in these unique, varied, fascinating, and often far-flung locations. I enjoy playing a small part in helping to raise awareness of the history, geography, natural environment and communities that exist in the BOTs and in turn helping to ensure that they continue to be valued members of the British family of nations with a bright future. 

Jennifer Mills

Membership Secretary 

Before joining FOTBOT, I had little knowledge of the Overseas Territories or their unique contributions to the world and the issues facing them. For this reason, I’m excited to be joining the team and playing a part within FOTBOT’s crucial work in educating the public about the greater British family. I particularly enjoy the informative events, where I have learned more about my fellow Britons from across the world. Joining the team at FOTBOT is as much a part of my learning journey about the British Overseas Territories as it is about getting involved with a charity that has impacted my understanding of myself and my place in the world. 

Craig Brewin

Head of Research

Craig lives in Montserrat where he was employed as the Programmes Officer for the Montserrat Red Cross. He is now a member of the Boards of the  Montserrat Association for Persons with Disabilities and the Children’s Society. Before moving to Montserrat in 2017 Craig worked as an Assistant Director of Social Services and now writes for a number of print and online publications on business issues, government and sport.  

Jonathan Kitto

Research Assistant


As a graduate of the London School of Economics, I have always had a keen interest in international relations and history. The Overseas Territories offer spectacular diversity and hold a truly unique historical and constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom. I joined FOTBOT to help promote and raise awareness of the Overseas Territories. In my role as Research Assistant, I hope to raise the profile of the territories, which all too often go unrecognised.

Ben Parker

Research Assistant (Biodiversity and Conservation)


Ben Parker is a researcher and conservationist who has worked with the likes of Oxford University, the World Wide Fund for Nature, and the United Nations. Ben has a keen interest in understanding and helping to counter environmental and climate issues, as well as in raising awareness of them. As such, he is especially interested in the wildlife, and wider ecosystems, of the British Overseas Territories. With FOTBOT, Ben hopes to help promote awareness of the special biodiversity of the BOTs, and of the management and governance structures that contribute towards protecting these treasures.

Tracy Porter

Head of Events


As a Regional Director for education, I recognised the distinct lack of awareness of the British Overseas Territories, within our current education system. Within my settings, I look to inspire a curiosity about these often far-away lands their history, diversity, beauty and culture.  I am delighted to be part of the FOTBOT team in leading on events that promote awareness of the BOTs, support their interest and raise funds for key projects. 

Rafael S. Leffa

Advisor to the Chief Executive (Events) 

Rafael has lived in Brazil, China and the United Kingdom. He began his career in Beijing trading physical commodities, sourcing natural resources from Latin America and selling them to state-owned enterprises in China and went on to assist corporate and private clients as well as governments on infrastructure, investments, strategic partnerships, and financing. In 2015 upon his return to the UK, where he had been educated, he began working in the private client wealth management field, initially working for a small stockbroking firm in the City of London and later for various domestic and international asset management firms. Rafael's interest in the Overseas Territories comes from his involvement with the investment management industry and fiduciary services.

Ritchie Hardcastle 

Events Coordinator


Ritchie’s background is in Music and Reinsurance.

Ritchie was first made aware of the larger BOT family after meeting Philip Smith at a Political conference in 2016. He has had a keen interest ever since. Ritchie is passionate about the Overseas Territories and is keen to support raising awareness with the public. Working within the Reinsurance industry has given a first hand account of how the BOTs function in the modern day.

Reem Ibrahim 

Online Events Coordinator


As a Politics and History student at the London School of Economics, I find the history of the British Overseas Territories incredibly fascinating. Coming from a North African background, I recognise the importance of self-determination, as well as educating people on the incredible history of the world's communities, no matter how far away they may be. Raising awareness of the BOT's beautiful history and culture is paramount to this core part of the British Family. By promoting the British Overseas Territories interests', especially in the wake of the climate crisis, we can seek to strengthen diplomatic relations and preserve their wonderful heritage. I am so grateful to be a part of the FOTBOT team, and to make a contribution to this brilliant charity!

William Thornton

Events Assistant

I first became interested in the Overseas Territories from the age of 12, after hearing about the Falkland Islands referendum on their status as a British Overseas Territory. The staggering result made me curious to find out more about why these people were so passionate about their British identity. This experience helped me to develop a deep curiosity for the territories at large. In the UK we thrive on being a diverse nation containing a variety of cultures and traditions. I am passionate about FOTBOTs mission of raising awareness for the territories as part of our British family.  

Gus Eldridge

Co-Merchandise Coordinator 

I have always supported a country's right to self determination and this is not hard to see with the British Overseas Territories where in 1967 the people of Gibraltar voted 99.6% to maintain British sovereignty in their referendum and more recently in 2013 the Falkland Islands people voted 99.8% to maintain this.  FOTBOT supports a range of issues from supporting British university students in getting the same rights as UK students at UK universities to disaster relief when hurricanes hit our overseas territories. 

Emma Winyard-Church

Co-Merchandise Coordinator 

I first became interested in the British Overseas Territories during a solo trip to Gibraltar. While the trip was only intended to fill in some time before joining my family for a holiday in Spain, it sparked a deep interest in the unique history and culture of the Territories. After graduating from Exeter University with an English degree, I worked in retail for just under 3 years with John Lewis before going on to complete my postgraduate legal qualifications. As a Merchandising coordinator, I hope I can use my experience and passion for the overseas territories to help raise funds and promote the important causes FOTBOT supports.

Imogen Payter

External Relations Coordinator  


Imogen has years of experiences working internationally across governments, the private sector and charity. She graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Commerce Degree, majoring in Business Law and International Business.

Nick Sundin

North of England Coordinator 

Since visiting Gibraltar as a child, I have been intrigued by Britain's Overseas Territories, and furthermore puzzled at not encountering them in the British education system. This has led me towards approaching the OTs from a perspective that seeks to educate the public on the ins and outs of these fascinating territories to avoid common misconceptions, as well as supporting and engaging the OTs in the issues they face. My own recent experience with the OTs has been centred around the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, where I conducted my dissertation research in 2018 on civil society attitudes towards the SBAs in Cyprus.

Sarah Cooper-Lesadd

Assistant to the Chief Executive 

Sarah has worked in a number of roles from financial PR in a small boutique firm to most recently working in the Civil Service across several private offices including for the Investment Minister. She is particularly interested in areas of trade, investment and financial services and has prior to her role in FOTBOT worked both as the secretary of the charity but also as the research officer. She is a graduate from the University of Cambridge.

Jed Saunders

Communications Assistant

I am a student at Lancaster University, hailing from Lancashire. The Overseas Territories have always been a significant part of my life, as many of my family members have served in the military and were based in various territories. My connection with these places was further deepened when I had the opportunity to visit Gibraltar at a young age. The experience was captivating, and I found myself falling in love with its charm. Another intriguing facet that drew me in was the story of the Bounty and Pitcairn Island. These unique territories and their peoples form a very special community. I feel immensely honoured to be part of the team supporting Friends of the British Overseas Territories in its missions.

Nathan Garbutt-Moore

Membership Assistant

Nathan works in local government leading Quality and Engagement. He has previously served as a councillor and Vice-Chairman of Ryedale District Council. He is delighted to be joining the FOTBOT team and to be supporting new and existing members.

George Matharu

Adviser to FOTBOT

I have a career spanning more than 30 years in IT and Finance, working for large corporates and creating several successful start-up companies. I was first introduced to FOTBOT in November 2021, and learned that there are 16 BOTs with significant geographical and cultural diversity. FOTBOT provides an invaluable platform for promoting awareness of the territories, and raising money for fantastic causes such as a children’s playground in Montserrat. I am delighted to represent FOTBOT, and will endeavour to use my experience and business network to help the charity meet its objectives.

Promoting, Supporting and Increasing Awareness 

of 

Britain's Overseas Territories

Friends of the British Overseas Territories, Registered Charity No 1156763

A Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Registered in England and Wales Email: enquiries@fotbot.org 

www.fotbot.org