We’re absolutely delighted to introduce Jennifer Sutton, our new Community Engagement Officer. Based in Kent, Jennifer will be working with community agencies, charities and businesses to help people access our services. She comes with a wealth of experience, a genuine passion for supporting local communities, and brings exceptional expertise and dedication to the Wave Community Bank team.
A little about Jennifer
Jennifer has been proud to call Dover her home for many years and is deeply rooted in the local community. Her early years included periods living overseas while her father was in the Armed Forces which ignited a lifelong passion for travel. Jennifer has been a dedicated volunteer for many local charities and groups since 2000 when time and opportunity allow. A particularly memorable early volunteering experience was at the Kent Try Angle Awards, which unexpectedly led to a wonderful exchange trip to Japan! She has organised a well-attended Christmas Market for the last 3 years showcasing local suppliers, further demonstrating her community spirit and organisational skills. Jennifer’s career has taken her through a variety of roles, each contributing to her expertise in event management, business development, and community-focused initiatives.
What Jennifer loves about Kent
Jennifer’s love for Kent comes from its vibrant communities, rich heritage, and beautiful landscapes. From the iconic coastal towns to the rolling countryside, she sees Kent as a region brimming with opportunity and potential for growth. She adores history and never tires of the scenery during her travels and never misses an opportunity for a photo of a beautiful skyline, building or interest point . She always makes an effort to visit and support local businesses wherever she goes.
Joining Wave Community Bank
Jennifer’s decision to join Wave Community Bank was inspired by her passion for empowering communities and helping people achieve financial security.
“I’ve always been drawn to organisations that are dedicated to improving lives and making a real difference,” Jennifer shares. Her expertise in building relationships, organising impactful initiatives, and championing social enterprise aligns perfectly with Wave’s mission to promote financial well-being for everyone.
Role and Responsibilities
As the new Community Engagement Officer, Jennifer’s role will focus on strengthening Wave’s presence across Kent and Medway. She will:
- Build and nurture relationships with local groups, charities, businesses, and social enterprises.
- Drive financial literacy and inclusion through outreach programmes and workshops, including in schools.
Jennifer is particularly passionate about addressing the financial inequalities faced by some of Kent’s rural and coastal communities. She’s looking forward to working closely with local stakeholders to ensure Wave’s services reach those who need them most.
Looking Ahead
Jennifer is excited to bring her skills to Wave Community Bank and is eager to expand its impact. She plans to build on Wave’s community-focused initiatives and use her experience in event planning and business mentorship to create new opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
Her ultimate goal? “To ensure that every person and business in Kent and Medway knows about Wave Community Bank and feels confident turning to us for support,” she explains.
Emma Norledge, Deputy CEO of Wave Community Bank, shares her excitement:
“We’re thrilled Jenni has joined the team. She has great plans for building our membership in Kent and Medway and a tremendous network to do this with. With her experience and energy, we can reach more local residents than ever.”
Please join us in giving Jennifer Sutton a very warm welcome to Wave Community Bank. We’re so excited to see the positive impact she will have on our team and the communities we serve!
