Chairperson
Brian Peter Davidson
Experience
A Chartered Accountant by qualification, Brian Spent some 32 years with a Big 4 professional services firm. 22 of those as a partner, undertaking service delivery roles in both external and internal audit; transactional due diligence reviews; and consultancy in governance, risk and compliance arrangements. Later, Brian took up the role of Head of Risk & Quality for the firm’s “new” Consultancy business, as it grew from £60m of turnover to £350m. Since taking early retirement in 2012, Brian has become a serial non-executive director/trustee in the not-for–profit sector.
Personal Statement
“The opportunity to get involved with The Essentia Foundation was, for me, a natural progression from working with not-for-profit organisations seeking the sort of grant funding we provide. I also saw the effects of the pandemic on the audience for our support, as well as those they are looking to support from their good works, and wanted to make a difference using my skillset.
For me the pandemic has caused many well intentioned charitable entities to take stock of the sustainability of their mission and so releasing the pent up reserves of The Essentia Foundation to support these organisations in the short term has been a no –brainer, and the added challenge of building a sustainable grant making platform for the longer term is the sort of challenge I relish.”
Case Studies
Some of our success stories
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'From Tools to Triumph'
Why buy when you can share?
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'Striking a Chord'
Promoting traditional music and Gaelic culture.
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'Rural Routes to Qualifications'
Promoting, organising and delivering rural learning, training and career opportunities.
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'Stepping Stones to Success'
Essentia Foundation provides a grant to support the YMCA 'Support my Independence' project.
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A Journey through the Central Belt
Our final journey in the series to examine the regional issues that young people across Scotland are facing and the ways in which Essentia grants are tackling them.
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A Journey to the East
Our third journey in the series to examine the regional issues that young people across Scotland are facing and the ways in which Essentia grants are tackling them.
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A Journey to the South
Our next journey to examine the regional issues that young people across Scotland are facing and the ways in which Essentia grants are tackling them.
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“We are not glass"
"Young Bloods" project, which aims to empower children and teenagers living with bleeding disorders.
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A Journey to the North
A journey to examine the regional issues that young people across Scotland are facing and the ways in which Essentia grants are tackling them.
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Broke Not Broken
Tackling the effects of poverty across Kinross.
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Glasgow Girls & Women FC
Providing football activities to girls, young and adult women, living in Glasgow, as a healthy, safe and fun means of sport and recreation.
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Equi-Power Central Scotland RDA
Harnessing the power of relationships with horses to support the learning, health and well being of children and adults with additional support needs (ASNs) across Central Scotland.
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Make Do and Grow
Make Do and Grow remains committed to reducing waste and encouraging reuse across their community.
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The Sunshine Kitchen
Making delicious food from locally-sourced produce in a supportive work environment.
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I Am Me Scotland
I AM ME SCOTLAND - DISABILITY HATE CRIME. Changing attitudes and behaviors so that disabled and vulnerable people can feel safe within their communities.
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OutLET: Play Resource
OutLET: Play Resource are a community project providing Forest School, Outdoor Play & Learning and Training in Lanarkshire and further afield.
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Live Learn Earn
R-Evolve is youth centred employability project operated by Live Learn Earn CIC, a social enterprise incorporated in November 2020 to deliver practical and life skills to young people in the Scottish Borders.
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Project 31
Project 31 began in early 2011 as an idea between two experienced community workers who were looking to develop an innovative organization for children aged 0-12 years.
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bOunceT Innovative Occupational Therapy
bOunceT Innovative Occupational Therapy was established in 2017. The charity works with adults and children with physical and learning disabilities to improve their quality of life by providing specialist occupational interventions, trampoline rebound therapy and activity-based play sessions.
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Families First St Andrews
Families First St Andrews (FFSA) was established in 2001. As a registered charity and community group, the organisation works alongside children and their families to overcome the personal challenges they face in life.
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Caithness KLICS Young Carers
Caithness KLICS (Kids Living in Caring Situations) was established in 2013. Based in Wick, the organisation supports young people aged between 5-18 who have a caring responsibility at home
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Hillhouse
For 45 years, Hillhouse has been working with young people and families in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. As a registered charity, the organisation offers a service to individuals who are at risk of financial hardship and poverty.
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People Know How
People Know How was established in 2013. Delivering services across Edinburgh and East Lothian, the organisation works collaboratively to deliver projects and social change with projects reaching children, young people and vulnerable adults.
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RDA Group Glasgow
Funding from the Essentia Foundation is currently helping RDA to roll out their ‘Quiet Corner’ initiative.
