Sally (The Very Reverend) Foster-Fulton
FALKIRK
Summary
I have a solid reputation as a professional representative, with a strong background in public relations and diplomacy. I am adept at building and nurturing strategic partnerships to promote organizational initiatives. Known for collaborative teamwork and delivering consistent results, I showcase excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
With a proven track record of successful strategic development, I will grow your organisation according to your values and priorities, increase your networks and collaborate with partners who have lived experience and wisdom.
Professional representative with strong background in public relations and diplomacy. Adept at building and nurturing strategic partnerships to promote organisational initiatives. Known for collaborative teamwork and delivering consistent results, showcasing excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
I have extensive experience on local, national and international spaces and am confident navigating those landscapes authentically and with deep knowledge and expertise. I also know what I do not know and lean into others, celebrating and valuing their critical contributions. Diplomatic professional with strong track record in international relations and public diplomacy. Skilled in fostering positive relationships, navigating complex negotiations, and representing organisational interests on global stage. Adept at collaborative efforts and driving impactful results. Reliable, adaptable, and highly regarded for effective communication and problem-solving abilities.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
UK and Global Churches Ambassador
Christian Aid (Transition Role)
05.2025 - Current
- Following global restructuring, I have been tasked with determining and developing new, sustainable resourcing partnerships. These networks will support collaborations that enable Christian Aid to deliver strong and accessible worship, advocacy and campaigning resources for our sponsoring denominations.
- I am also developing and piloting a mechanism to connect our UK actors more directly with our global partners.
- I have developed and maintained sn extensive network of community contacts, resulting in increased visibility.
- I serve as organization ambassador and spokesperson at various charity events, promoting mission and values.
UK and Global Churches Ambassador
Christian Aid
06.2024 - 05.2025
- This role centered on three areas of work and stretched across three teams, with time and people management key to its success.
- I developed, nurtured and resourced a more diverse group of supporting communities across the UK, increasing our supporter reach.
- I developed more flexible and thematic worship resources, nurturing partnerships that extended the reach of Christian Aid in the UK.
- I supported networks that more closely aligned local and global faith actors.
- I developed a pilot project with Presbyteries in the Church of Scotland to ensure Christian Aid resourced them appropriately as they restructured. This pilot informs way of working across our engagement strategy.
- I was specifically responsible for content creation for the 80th anniversary. This required close collaboration with Westminster Abbey, St Giles Cathedral and an extensive network of external contributors.
- I served as organisation ambassador at various charity events, promoting mission and values.
- I developed and maintained extensive networks of community contacts, resulting in increased visibility.
Moderator of the General Assembly
Church of Scotland
03.2023 - 05.2024
- This is a one-year elected position.
- I moderated the business of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, ensuring governance structures were followed, debates were equitable and decision-making was fair and transparent.
- I was the ambassador for the Church of Scotland locally, nationally and globally.
- It is imperative that diverse voices are not only represented but heard. I, as Moderator, was key to chairing business that empowered that landscape to flourish. As part of my continuing support for the Church of Scotland, I convene the Legacy of Slavery Task-group and serve on the Assembly Trustee Review Group.
Head of Nations and Church Relations
Christian Aid
03.2020 - 03.2023
- I had overall responsibility for Christian Aid’s work in Scotland, oversight of the work in Wales and was the strategic lead for church relationships across the UK. This included developing and nurturing partnership with 41 sponsoring denominations, identifying and developing new partnerships, focusing connection and insight led by global south partners and resourcing key leaders and influencers to advocate and act for global justice.
- I was a member of the Senior Management Team for Christian Aid’s Fundraising and Supporter Engagement department and part of the Global Extended Leadership Team. This small group was responsible for driving organisational strategy across our fundraising, international and policy departments.
- I directly line-managed 5 team leaders across the UK, with a total management portfolio of 23.
- Responsibility for strategy-decisions and implementation, governance, budgetary decisions and communications sign-off in Scotland, Wales and British Church Relations sat within my remit.
Head of Christian Aid Scotland
Christian Aid
03.2016 - 03.2020
- I managed a holistic team in Scotland who delivered fundraising and supporter engagement, developed and drove policy, advocacy and campaigning, engaged with youth and education organisations across Scotland, and produced resources and communications (digital and media) that resonated within a Scottish landscape.
- I was responsible for Scottish government funding initiatives (International Development Fund and the Humanitarian Emergency Fund/HEF) and collaboration with the DEC in Scotland.
- I directly managed a 3-person Scotland SMT and had responsibility and oversight of a wider team of 14.
- I was responsible for designing and delivering a strategy that sustainably maximised impact and growth.
- As part of the Supporter and Community Partnership Senior Management Team, I was jointly responsible for Christian Aid’s UK engagement strategy. This required a flexible approach that balanced Scotland’s more tailored strategic priorities alongside the overall corporate strategy.
- I am self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- I have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Associate Minister
Dunblane Cathedral
08.2007 - 02.2016
- I worked as part of a ministry team, having particular focus on youth, young families and bringing new forms of worship to the Cathedral.
- I introduced and lead 'Living the Questions,' an open-spirited, discussion-based study, 'Elbow Room,' a worship and workshop style series resourcing participants to unpack an idea or topical theme.
- I evolved the Adult Education program, 'Thinking Allowed,' into an ecumenical endeavour the whole community invested in.
- I led a group of volunteers, guiding growth in the youth program and integrating the 'young families' into the centre of Cathedral life. In response to the changing needs of the community, the team, under my direction, created a year-round worship program that specifically addressed identified needs of young families.
- I was a member of the Dunblane Children’s Community Partnership, a chaplain at Dunblane High School and the two local primary schools and convened the Dunblane Council of Churches.
- I worked with Stirling Interfaith Community Justice to facilitate a Visitors’ Centre at Cornton Vale Prison and liaised with Cornton Vale’s Family Liaison team to provide a Leaver’s pack for prisoners.
- I oversaw church-wide initiatives focused on social justice issues like poverty or homelessness, empowering congregants to be agents of change.
Vice Convener and Convener of the Church and Society Council
Church of Scotland
01.2011 - 01.2016
- The Church and Society Council’s remit was to engage on behalf of the Church in the National, political and ethical issues affecting Scotland and the world. This role stretched, challenged and inspired me in ways I could not have ever imagined. The people I was privileged to work alongside embodied love, commitment and what it means to be church. #
- Highlights during my tenure were the Council’s facilitation of Independence Referendum discernment through the Church of Scotland’s Respectful Dialogues and Imagining Scotland’s Future public meetings.
- We successfully collaborated with the Scottish Prison Service to create Prison Visitor’s Centres, which now reduce recidivism and build bridges to a more secure and positive return to society and family.
- I was the Act Now COP 21 Ambassador for Scotland, speaking on behalf of the ACT Alliance, highlighting the work of climate change activists across that network of 145 church and civic organisations globally.
- I worked with the Remembering Srebrenica charity, promoting its work and highlighting the resources offered to Scotland.
- I led the strategy to revise the Council’s work through ‘Speak Out, 10,000 Voices for Change', moving the council's work from a reactionary model to a proactive strategy that focused on prioritised and agreed issues.
- I also spoke for the Church of Scotland in several public consultations for the Scottish government, including assisted dying, climate change targets, and consideration of a written Scottish Constitution ahead of the 2014 Independence Referendum.
Co-Pastor
Seneca Presbyterian Church
01.2003 - 01.2007
- I shared responsibility for worship and pastoral care and had a wider community remit. This grew the outreach of the faith community exponentially.
- I was a founder board member for 'Our Daily Rest' Homeless Shelter, developing plans, liaising with community groups and fundraising to build a facility for men, women and children.
- I was on the Board of The United Way, a charity organized to help those on the margins of the community. This work strengthened networks across faith and civic organisations.
- I was a member of the Board of Habitat for Humanity, and led the movement within reformed denominations in our group.
- In partnership with the local schools, the Department of Social Services and The United Way, I helped establish a mentoring project for at-risk young people. Partnering each young person with a mentor, the program ran every Wednesday from 3:30 – 7:30 pm.
- I served on the New Charge Development Committee of Presbytery.
Minister
Camelon Irving Parish Church
02.1999 - 01.2003
- In Camelon, we built an ethos of welcome and inclusion that resonated in the community. The Sunday School grew substantially, and we increased outreach through a weekly programme for special needs young people and partnerships with two sheltered housing projects supporting adults with learning needs.
- I served as chaplain (and chaplaincy coordinator) at Falkirk High School, the local primary school and a special needs school in the parish.
- I served as part-time chaplain at the Royal Scottish National Hospital, involved with patients and staff. I served as a bridge during the transition from residential care to care in the community.
- I was a founder member of the group Falkirk Welcomes Refugees, working to nurture links and pathways for asylum seekers and refugees housed in the Falkirk area.
- I was an active member of Falkirk Presbytery, serving on the Education committee and Parish Reappraisal.
- Nationally, I served on the Board of Parish Education as a member and then Convener of the Readership committee.
Probationer Minister
Dunipace Parish Church
06.1998 - 01.2002
- This placement was a requirement by the Church of Scotland, to test and strengthen core skills.
- I fostered a welcoming atmosphere within the church, leading to increased attendance and active participation in worship services.
- I initiated youth programs to engage younger members, boosting participation by creating relevant and interactive activities.
- I strengthened community outreach programs by collaborating with local organizations to provide support for underserved populations.
- I advocated for social justice issues, aligning church missions with broader community needs.
Chaplain
NHS
01.1996 - 01.1998
- I served as part-time chaplain at Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary and the Royal Scottish National Hospital. At Falkirk Royal, I worked with other part-time chaplains providing pastoral care and on-call coverage. I was responsible for pastoral care for the Maternity and Gynecology departments, the Special Care Baby Unit, a general ward for men, and the long-term ward for elderly patients. I was also involved with the SANDS (Saving babies’ lives. Supporting bereaved families) group. At the RSNH, I was responsible for assigned wards - developing relationships with residents, families and staff.
Sunday School Advisor
Falkirk Presbytery
01.1993 - 01.1995
- I was Sunday School Advisor for Falkirk Presbytery, liaising with churches to promote Education in Falkirk Presbytery and supporting developing programs.
Director of Christian Education
Newnan Presbyterian Church
01.1987 - 01.1990
- I was responsible for all education programs for children and adults.
- Newnan is a bedroom community for Atlanta, Georgia. This exposure began my relationship with Habitat for Humanity.
Counselor, Waterfront Director, Program Director
Camping ministries in the Presbytery of the Piedmont
05.1983 - 05.1987
- I was a counselor for 9 and 10-year-old girls, Waterfront Director and then Program Director, overseeing all programs and staff.
Education
Honour Graduate -
Seneca High School
01.1982
BD -
Trinity College
Glasgow01.1991
BA - English and Religion
Presbyterian College
Clinton, South Carolina01.1987
Skills
- Effective public speaking
- Engaging content production
- Community involvement strategies
- Youth development strategies
- Successful fundraising initiatives
- Public advocacy
- Team management
- Brand imaging
- Strategy development
- Excellent communication
Affiliations
Board member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland
Timeline
UK and Global Churches Ambassador
Christian Aid (Transition Role)
05.2025 - Current
UK and Global Churches Ambassador
Christian Aid
06.2024 - 05.2025
Moderator of the General Assembly
Church of Scotland
03.2023 - 05.2024
Head of Nations and Church Relations
Christian Aid
03.2020 - 03.2023
Head of Christian Aid Scotland
Christian Aid
03.2016 - 03.2020
Vice Convener and Convener of the Church and Society Council
Church of Scotland
01.2011 - 01.2016
Associate Minister
Dunblane Cathedral
08.2007 - 02.2016
Co-Pastor
Seneca Presbyterian Church
01.2003 - 01.2007
Minister
Camelon Irving Parish Church
02.1999 - 01.2003
Probationer Minister
Dunipace Parish Church
06.1998 - 01.2002
Chaplain
NHS
01.1996 - 01.1998
Sunday School Advisor
Falkirk Presbytery
01.1993 - 01.1995
Director of Christian Education
Newnan Presbyterian Church
01.1987 - 01.1990
Counselor, Waterfront Director, Program Director
Camping ministries in the Presbytery of the Piedmont
05.1983 - 05.1987
BA - English and Religion
Presbyterian College
Honour Graduate -
Seneca High School
BD -
Trinity College
Publications
- Dirt, Mess and Danger, Contributing author, Glendon Macaulay
- Saying Goodbye, Contributing author, Ruth Burgess
- Hope was Heard Singing, Author, Wild Goose Publications
- Dancing in the Desert, Author, Wild Goose Publications
- Step Gently in the World, Author, Wild Goose Publications
- The Expository Times, Contributor
- Sanctuary First, Contributor
Interests
My hobbies include:
Hill-walking
Creative writing
Spending time with family and friends