Andrew Tuggey CBE DL

I was invited to become a trustee of the Community Foundation Wales (CFW) in January 2018. I had been an Army officer (1968-2003) and was lucky enough to serve all over the world, including six years with the Gurkhas.

The privilege of commanding the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) brought me and my family to Wales in 1990; my last tour of duty was with the FCO in the Baltic States as they joined NATO and the EU. After 28 moves in 28 years of marriage we returned to Monmouthshire.

I had the good fortune to serve my second career as Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK in Parliament, leading a team that worked to enhance and strengthen all aspects of parliamentary democracy and governance with partner parliaments in the developing world; scrutiny, representation, human rights, equalities, modern slavery, violence against women & girls, climate change.

I first became engaged with Community Foundation Wales when High Sheriff of Gwent in 2015. The Gwent High Sheriffs’ Community Fund (GHSCF) is managed by CFW and disburses some £75,000 each year to youth-focussed community projects throughout Gwent via its unique ‘Your Voice, Your Choice’ process. I departed Westminster to start my third career in September 2017.

I value being a trustee of CFW and sitting on the Grants sub-committee. I chair the GHSCF Panel and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s Advisory Panel on Loneliness, ScoutsCymru and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Gwent. I am also a Council member of the High Sheriffs’ Association England & Wales.

I maintain my connection with Commonwealth-related democracy and development matters and I am honoured to be Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent.

Challenges and opportunities for young people and youth organisations in our communities, modern slavery, the empowerment of women and girls, equalities and inclusivity, the engagement of young people with parliamentary governance and democracy, inter-faith matters, the Commonwealth, and veterans.

The warmth, generosity and humour of people; the wonderful heritage, history and culture; the breath-taking and unspoilt countryside, coastline and topography – and the tremendous opportunities there are for the wellbeing of future generations in Wales.