We are an independent Community Cooperative, owned and controlled by our members. Our formal registration title is a Community Benefit Society - the descendant of the old Industrial & Provident Society structure. This means that our purpose is to serve the broader interests of the community.

All our Non-Executive Trustees, Staff and Volunteers are local people. We have over 900 members.

We have initiatives like community hubs, business spaces, affordable housing, and opportunities for community ownership, which have a significant positive impact on the local community. These efforts encourage social connections, economic development, and overall well-being in the area. By providing opportunities for people to come together, support local businesses, and have access to affordable housing, we’re contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the community.

As well as being a Society for the Benefit of the Community, we also hold "Exempt Charity" status from HMRC, which gives us the same tax privileges as a normal charity, and allows us to fundraise just like a charity.

Our legal structure allows for community ownership, we are able to offer community shares to the public. Everyone who buys shares, from £1 to £100,000 becomes a member, with one member one vote, regards of how many shares people hold.

Every member is a part-owner of the Trust and can vote on decisions put to members and can choose to stand for election to the Board of Trustees. You can become a member here.

Any profit or assets of the society must be used for the benefit of the community.

The Peninsula Trust is run by a group of local volunteer Trustees, elected by, and from, the membership at our Annual General Meeting.  

Our current Trustees are:


  • Chair

    Debbie Patterson is a retired local business woman and long term local resident. Debbie has been actively involved in community organisations for many years.


  • Secretary

    Sharon was born and bred in Millbrook. She has now retired after 43 years' experience in the Civil Service, mostly as a manager, and has experience and professional qualifications in land law and risk assessment. Sharon has been a Millbrook Parish Councillor for 20+ years mostly as Vice Chair.


  • Finance Lead

    Retired senior company accountant for Devonport Dockyard.

  • Alex has worked at the interface of environment, science, innovation and business (private and public sector) for 25 years and currently is Head of Environment and Clean Growth for the University of Exeter. He brings us in-depth experience in the realities of public and private funding, its reporting requirements and operational details. He is also a Charitable Director of Cornwall Climate Care and previously a Councillor of Maker with Rame Parish Council.

  • Rebecca is a Benefits Caseworker for a Plymouth charity and has been employed by Citizens Advice Bureau. She currently volunteers with the Trust as a benefits advisor and trainer

  • Fiona is a former primary school teacher. After 20 years supporting children and families in this role, she left Aberdeen and moved to the Peninsula. She co-founded a successful small shop fitting supply business for which she is still a manager. Fiona is a Millbrook Parish Councillor and serves on a number of associated committees and working parties.