Adam Lent steps down as New Local Chief Executive

Dr Adam Lent has announced his departure from New Local, after seven years leading the think tank and network.  

Adam has helped transform the organisation, rebranding from New Local Government Network to New Local in 2020. He has shaped it into a home of thinking and practice around ‘community power’ – a term that was largely unused at the time he and Jessica Studdert wrote The Community Paradigm in 2019.

Adam has also helped lead the expansion of New Local’s network to around 70 councils, and has led the launch of its successful practice/consultancy offer. He helped create Stronger Things – New Local’s annual sell-out ‘community power jamboree’.

Adam says:

“Working at New Local has been an uninterrupted journey of inspiration. I have been very lucky to have worked with the most innovative public servants in the country as well as a team and Board of imaginative, supportive and committed colleagues. After over seven years, it feels the time is right to hand the reins over to someone new working alongside Katie Kelly, our fantastic Chair. I leave knowing that New Local has a wealth of opportunities ahead that it will seize with gusto as community power continues its irresistible rise.”

Katie Kelly, New Local’s Chair, says:

“On behalf of the New Local Board I want to thank Adam for his visionary leadership and service.  Whilst we will certainly feel his loss, he is committed to remaining connected with New Local and will be strong advocate for our mission to put community power at the heart of public service reform as he moves into his new role. We wish Adam success in his next chapter and on a personal level I want to thank Adam for his support in my recent appointment as chair of New Local.”

Adam will depart in May, to take up a role with the King’s Fund as senior consultant in leadership and organisational development. Deputy chief executive Jessica Studdert will be interim chief executive from the time of his departure.

Details of recruitment for the permanent chief executive role will be announced in the upcoming months. If you wish to express your interest in the meantime, please contact recruitment@newlocal.org.uk.

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