Lara Carmona, Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann, Paul Jenkins and Solomon Elliott have joined the Board of Power to Change, the think-do tank that backs community business.
The new Trustees bring extensive cross-sector experience and passion for community business to Power to Change. Their backgrounds range from working at the intersection of strategic communications, policy and place, growing the social economy, advocating for positive change in health and care to working directly with communities. They all share a strong belief in and a commitment to the power and potential of community business.
Tim Davies-Pugh, Chief Executive of Power to Change, said: “Our new trustees bring a wealth of experience and insights to making community-led change happen. At Power to Change, we believe in the strength of people working together to transform local places — and our new board members will be key partners in driving that vision forward.”
Tony Burton, Chair of Power to Change, said: “Each of our new trustees brings valuable experience, perspectives and skills to the Power to Change Board. All four will help us continue to strengthen our mission and champion community business across the country. They join the Board as we prepare to say farewell to Anne-Marie Harris, Ian Hempseed and Léonie Austin in December. We thank them for their dedication and guidance, and know they will continue to be great advocates for community business in the future.”
Lara, Neil, Paul and Solomon join Claire Spencer, Daniel Hill, Fin Irwin, Jess Steele, Melissa Mean, and chair Tony Burton as members of the Power to Change Board. The appointments come alongside Trustees Anne-Marie Harris, Ian Hempseed and Léonie Austin stepping down in December.
Thank you to Green Park for their support in helping us recruit our new trustees.
About the new Trustees
Lara Carmona
Lara Carmona is a strategist and advocate working at the intersection of creativity, policy and place. As Managing Director of Client Strategy & Policy at a leading political consultancy, iNHouse Communications, she helps organisations turn ideas into impact. With a background in championing a wide range of the UK’s core industries and a passion for unlocking local potential for national impact, Lara is driven by how imagination, enterprise and community spirit can transform lives and economies.
In response to her appointment, Lara said: “Power to Change stands for something I care deeply about — the belief that people know best how to build thriving communities. I’m excited to join as a trustee to help spark and support the creativity, confidence and collaboration that turn great ideas into lasting change.”
Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE
Neil has over 20 years’ experience working across business, government and education regionally, nationally and internationally. Neil is currently CEO at WIG working to improve cross-sector leadership to boost investment in inclusive economic growth across the UK. He is also Chair of the WorldSkills Global Research Council, championing the socio-economic benefits of raising standards in technical education to help more young people succeed in work and life.
In response to his appointment, Neil said: “I am delighted to join the Board of Power to Change and look forward to working with the team to help advance the case for the social economy through growing community businesses. Because I believe there is an exciting opportunity right now, in the context of the industrial strategy and further devolution across England, to champion inclusive economic growth to boost place-based prosperity and enhance community cohesion for the common good.”
Paul Jenkins
Paul has had an extensive career in health and care, including fifteen years in the field of mental health. During his career he has led the establishment of NHS Direct and played a key role in the Time to Change campaign which spearheaded a major shift in public attitudes towards mental illness. Paul has extensive experience as a Trustee and currently serves on the Board of the Joseph Rowntree Trust.
In response to his appointment, Paul said: “I am delighted at the opportunity to join the Board of Power to Change. I have a strong belief in ability of community empowerment and community business to deliver better outcomes for local residents and wider society.”
Solomon Elliott
Solomon is a strategy and communications leader with experience across technology, media, education, and social impact. At Apple, he led global business intelligence and engagement strategy for the Retail Engagement and Marketing team. Earlier, he advised the BBC’s Board on diversity and inclusion. He began his career as a teacher and founded The Student View, training thousands of schoolchildren as reporters to investigate issues impacting their communities.
In response to his appointment, Solomon said: “This is an exciting moment for the community business sector as the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill opens new opportunities for local enterprise. With its rich evidence base and track record of funding pioneering community business pilots, Power to Change is uniquely positioned to shape a fairer, more inclusive economy, powered by communities themselves.”
