The VNF Constitution outlines its purpose which is to promote and improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of Victoria, its residents and its businesses, and address itself to issues of local concern, including the preservation and improvement of Victoria (including its environment, appearance, safety, security and amenities) and high standards of town planning and architecture. Following its designation, the Forum may undertake any activity permitted under the Act and, specifically, consider whether to initiate any process for the making or amendment of a Neighbourhood Development Plan.

​Anyone who lives or works within the Victoria Neighbourhood Forum boundaries can become a VNF member.
There is no joining fee and from late 2023 there will only be one Annual General Meeting, although we will invite you to provide feedback on the development of the Neighbourhood Plan, and on occasional public consultations. ​

The VNF is governed by a Steering Group made up of equal numbers of resident and business members (business members must work in the area). The Steering Group meets four or five times a year. The Steering Group members are as follows: 

Business members:

• Charlie Baxter - Alchemi Group
• Sigthor Oskarsson - Conrad London St. James
• Jane Parsons - London Heritage Quarter
• Nigel Hughes - Victoria, Victoria Westminster & Whitehall BIDs

Resident members:

• Carlo Comninos
• Graeme Cottam 
• Fiona Geddes  
• Vishakha Parekh
• Leslie Macleod-Miller 
• Glenn Murphy ​​

CHARLIE BAXTER (Business member) ...has roots in Victoria dating back many years. His Great Grandfather was born on Belgrave Road and his family still lives in the area. Although Charlie has now moved out of the immediate area he is still actively involved and over the past 25 years the business he co-founded with Laura (his wife) has been responsible for converting several characterful buildings into well designed, sustainable homes. Most recently, Grade 2 listed Westminster Fire Station which he is particularly proud of because it has been such an important part of the community.

GRAEME COTTAM (Resident member) ...is a retired lawyer and accountant. As a director of a global conservation charity and a trustee of two amenity societies, he is passionate about both the natural and built environments. Closer to home, he is the chair of his local residents’ association and a keen Royal Parks volunteer. He has served on the Forum’s Steering Group since 2018 and has previously acted as Treasurer and Vice Chair.

VISHAKHA PAREKH (Resident member) ...has been a resident of Victoria since her move to the UK a decade ago. Her background is in Business Development having obtained a Masters in Marketing and Global Business. Vishakha believes in the VNF's goal to make Victoria an " exciting destination of choice in central London“, along with building the community.

NIGEL HUGHES (Chair), Business Member - Victoria, Victoria Westminster & Whitehall BIDs. Nigel joined the Steering Group of the Victoria Neighbourhood Forum in 2021 and is Chairman as well as being a member of the Planning sub-committee. He also chairs the Planning & Public Realm Committee of the Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum where he is involved with a number of Neighbourhood CIL projects including the Mayfair Green Route. Nigel is a Chartered Building Surveyor who has worked in the area for over 30 years, and in 2015 was awarded an MBE for services to the business community in London.

GLENN MURPHY (Vice-Chair) ...lives in Victoria and has previously worked for several businesses based in the area. Glenn is Chief Operating Officer for an investment management services company, where he has a focus on financial services, project delivery, technology, and marketing. He has set up a residents' association in the area and is a member of the Victoria Neighbourhood Forum. Glenn takes a keen interest in local development planning, policies and strategy and their impact on infrastructure, community, and sustainability.

JANE PARSONS (Secretary) …is a Governance professional with 18 years’ experience working at Chairman/CEO level, currently as Governance Manager for London HQ (Victoria, Victoria Westminster, Whitehall and The Northbank Business Improvement Districts). Passionate about community and creativity; previously having volunteered with St Mungo’s and Iconic Steps, a social enterprise providing opportunities for young people from hard-to-reach backgrounds to enter the media industry. Keen to use her skills and experience to help others, particularly with projects involving young people, music and the arts, education and training.

FIONA GEDDES (Resident member) ...has been a resident member of the Victoria Neighbourhood Forum’s Steering Group since 2016. She is also the founder and secretary of The Queen Anne’s Gate Residents’ Association. Fiona has lived in Old Queen Street since 2011, deals in vintage flower paintings and has previously worked in marketing, advertising, PR and events.

LESLIE MACLEOD-MILLER (Resident member)... has practiced as corporate counsel and legal consultant for a variety of international companies including the Walt Disney, Liberty Media, Ladbroke group, Hutchison Whampoa, Single Family Offices and a Parliamentary lobbyist. In the cultural sector Leslie follows his strong family tradition of involvement in Music, Theatre and the Third Sector. Leslie currently works as a sole practitioner specialising in international regulation and Family Offices, advises the House of Lords on Social Reform and has incorporated and acted as a Trustee for a number of Charitable Trusts. Leslie is on the International Development Board for Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Advisory Board of Jermyn Street, was formerly the founding Chairman of Never Such Innocence, giving a voice to children in conflict and an active supporter of the Cultural Sector while working closely with the DCMS and the Culture Secretary. Leslie is the Legal Advisor to The Chopin Society, a Board Member of the International Opera Awards and is a Founding Patron of Salon Opera and supports the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, British Youth Opera, Opera Holland Park, CLIP Portofino Festival, the Tate Trust and individual musicians hosting Salons at Carlisle Place, Westminster. Leslie is closely associated with Vivienne Westwood, The Genesis Foundation and a number of Arts Patrons. Leslie was born into a theatrical family, being a ‘child star’ together with his identical twin brother. Leslie’s father was a significant Australian broadcaster and mother was involved in children’s television as well as being a 1950’s ‘face’ in Australia. In Australia, Leslie was active in music conducting a professional acapella ensemble. In the UK, Leslie has appeared as a finalist in the Placido Domingo Opera Competition at Covent Garden and has performed as a soloist with UK orchestras. Leslie is passionate about creative and financial partnerships between the private sector and Government, calling for the Arts to push the boundaries, demonstrate diversity and excellence, be a champion of new technologies and a reflection of and a challenger of society values.

CARLO COMNINOS (Resident member)...has lived in Westminster for a long time (Pimlico 11 years and Victoria 16 years). He is trying to be retired and travel more, but keeps on finding issues that interest him. He was a commercial property (retail and leisure) developer. He also later formed a Joint-Venture with Curzon Cinemas to roll them out around the country, with its first site being in Victoria Street. As a resident, he is keen to challenge the Council to promote its policies in all parties’ interest. His relaxation is in sport, wine and travel, and areas to which he feels he can contribute.

There is a vacancy on the Steering Group for a resident member, if you are a resident living within the VNF footprint and would like to support the Forum with the development of the Victoria Neighbourhood Plan, then please email info@yourvictoria.co.uk for more information.