Mike Gravatt joined VASE’s Board as Trustee and Treasurer to bring his extensive leadership experience from local government to support and strengthen the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector across East Surrey.
Now retired, Mike served as an Assistant Director of Finance at the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames before becoming Assistant Chief Executive across both Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. His responsibilities included revenue collection, IT, HR and customer services and he has extensive experience of organisational leadership, governance and transformation.
For Mike, becoming a VASE trustee is about contributing strategic insight, financial leadership and good governance to help organisations deliver lasting impact. As he puts it, “You’ve got these skills, you’ve got this background, why not put them to good use?”
As Treasurer, Mike helps ensure VASE remains financially resilient while supporting its long-term development. He believes that a strong, well-governed organisation is best placed to support the wider voluntary, community and social enterprise sector as it responds to changing demands and opportunities. “The finance role is to be appropriately prudent, but also to be enabling,” he explains.
Drawing on decades of experience in public finance and organisational change, he works with fellow trustees and the leadership team to assess risk, evaluate opportunities and make informed decisions. His focus is on ensuring that strong governance supports progress, helping VASE adapt and grow while remaining sustainable and effective.
Mike’s experience in leading and managing change is particularly valuable at a time when both communities and organisations across East Surrey are facing significant challenges and opportunities. As needs evolve and resources come under increasing pressure, he understands the importance of helping organisations adapt while remaining focused on their purpose and long-term sustainability. He also believes successful organisations are built around people, adding, “The people doing the work are the most important thing,” he says, reflecting a leadership approach shaped by collaboration, communication and shared purpose.
Since joining the Board, Mike has valued the positive relationship between trustees and VASE’s leadership team and is enthusiastic about the organisation’s future. He supports VASE’s ambition to modernise, strengthen and continue evolving to meet the needs of the communities and organisations it serves across East Surrey.
Away from VASE, Mike enjoys tennis, reading and walking, including hiking trips in Scotland with friends he has known since his school days.
