Franziska Schwarz

Head of Operations and Finance
fschwarz@newlocal.org.uk

Franziska joined New Local in July 2025 as Head of Operations and Finance.

Franziska oversees New Local’s operations, finance, HR and governance and ensures systems and processes are effective and enable smooth day-to-day running of the organisation.

Franziska is a business operations professional and chartered member of the CIPD, with over 10 years’ experience working in operations, finance, people, and governance in not-for-profit, purpose-led organisations.

She joins New Local from Bond, a network for UK NGOs working in international development. As Bond’s Head of Finance, Operations and Performance, her work focussed on creating effective financial controls, strategic planning and developing inclusive people policies. Franziska has also led Bond’s work on transforming safeguarding practices in the international development sector, with a focus on rooting out exploitation and abuse by driving cultural change within organisations. Prior to that, Franziska worked at Local Trust and Big Local, supporting communities across England to deliver change for their areas through flexible funding mechanisms.  

Their local: Franziska is a keen (amateur) gardener who grew up in southern Germany. After moving to London to study, she’s made north London and Camden her home. She has since crossed over the border, settling down (and growing roots) in Islington.