Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Interests
Timeline
Publications
Generic

Sally Foster-Fulton

Falkirk,United Kingdom

Summary

The Very Reverend Sally Foster-Fulton

I have a solid reputation as a professional representative, with a strong background in theology, fundraising, line management and public engagement and diplomacy. I am adept at building and nurturing strategic partnerships to promote organisational 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. I have extensive experience working in 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. I bring experience, innovation and creativity. I also bring a lifelong passion for justice and equity, and a long-learned sense of 'Ubuntu - I am because we are.'

Overview

43
43
years of professional experience

Work History

UK and Global Churches Ambassador

Christian Aid
Global Remit, Based In Scotland
05.2025 - Current
  • Following global restructure of the organisation, I continue to work with senior leadership, with a focus on future-proofing and sustainability. I am leading a project to determine, develop and deliver 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, thus maximizing holistic engagement.
  • I am leading a globally focused project to develop and pilot mechanisms that connect our UK actors more directly with our global partners, thus increasing their agency. This requires high level strategic collaboration with our global impact team, our newly emerging multi-country cluster offices, our communications teams and British Church Relations Leads. When embedded, the ways of working identified will influence the strategic direction and praxis of Christian Aid’s partnership approach.

UK and Global Churches Ambassador

Christian Aid
Global Post, Located In Edinburgh
06.2024 - 05.2025
  • This role centered on three areas of work and stretched across various senior 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.
  • Built and maintained positive relationships with public by utilizing strategic plans.

Moderator of the General Assembly

Church of Scotland
Based In Edinburgh
03.2023 - 05.2024

sThis 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. During my tenure, I met with all of Scotland’s political party leaders, represented the Church at high level civic events and was the preacher at The Honours of Scotland. I worked consistently and collaboratively with Interfaith Scotland and The Scottish Church Leaders Forum, representing the Church of Scotland in ecumenical spaces, including an audience with Pope Frances. I was the public voice for the Church of Scotland, speaking and engaging with the media, wider civic society and international bodies.
  • 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
UK-wide Remit, Based In Edinburgh
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 part 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 senior 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
Glasgow And Edinburgh
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. Scotland consistently performed beyond target in regards to engagement, voluntary fundraising and campaigning numbers.
  • 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.

Associate Minister

Dunblane Cathedral
Dunblane
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.

Vice Convener of the Church and Society Council

Church of Scotland
Edinburgh
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 provided resources 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
South Carolina, USA
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 organised 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 established 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.
  • I conducted pastoral care visits, providing support and guidance to members in need.
  • I developed strong relationships with local organisations to create partnerships for community service opportunities.
  • I coordinated and spearheaded programs to increase church members' service throughout community.

Minister

Camelon Irving Parish Church
Camelon
02.1999 - 01.2003
  • In Camelon, I fostered 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
Dunipace, Scotland
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
Newnan, Georgia
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

Presbytery of the Piedmont
05.1983 - 05.1987
  • Camping ministries in the Presbytery of the Piedmont I was a counselor for 9 and 10-year-old girls, Waterfront Director and then Program Director, overseeing all programs and staff.

Education

BD -

Trinity College
Glasgow
01-1991

BA - English and Religion

Presbyterian College
Clinton, South Carolina
01-1987

High School Diploma -

Seneca High School
South Carolina, USA
06.1964

Skills

  • Community involvement strategies
  • Successful fundraising initiatives
  • Public advocacy
  • Team management
  • Effective public speaking
  • Strategy development
  • Excellent communication
  • Engaging content production
  • Cross-cultural collaboration
  • Media relations

Affiliations

Board Member of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland

Member of Forth Valley and Clydesdale Presbytery

Associate Member of The Iona Community

Interests

Hill-walking, Creative writing, Spending time with family and friends

Timeline

UK and Global Churches Ambassador

Christian Aid
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 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

Presbytery of the Piedmont
05.1983 - 05.1987

High School Diploma -

Seneca High School

BD -

Trinity College

BA - English and Religion

Presbyterian 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