I previously had the privilege of serving as a Director of CEL between 2019 and 2020. 

Unfortunately, I had to step down from the role due to the unprecedented pressures and workload I faced as a City of London Councillor during the height of the global pandemic. Despite this, I felt that during my time on the Board, I was able to bring real value to CEL at both a strategic and practical level. Specifically, I helped CEL strengthen its networks by opening doors to new stakeholders, particularly within the City of London, a part of London where CEL’s visibility and engagement were historically limited. I also helped secure venues for in-person CEL events and workshops in the Square Mile, providing important access to decision makers, policy influencers and key partners.

In addition to my Councillor role, I am a founding director of Aldgate Solar Power (ASP), one of CEL’s member groups. I led ASP through its development stages, helping secure over £47,000 in funding for our Middlesex Street Estate solar installation project. This included unlocking support from the City of London’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund, the Mayor of London’s Community Energy Fund, and a successful community share offer. Our project is now a leading example of community energy operating within the Square Mile, generating local clean energy while creating a community-controlled fund for future social and environmental initiatives.

I am pleased to share that I will shortly be stepping down from my full-time professional role, which will free up significantly more time for me to dedicate to CEL. I feel I have unfinished business with CEL and I am keen to return to help the organisation grow and thrive. I would relish the opportunity to support CEL’s strategic development, strengthen its advocacy work, and help widen engagement with London boroughs where CEL has yet to fully embed.

Given my background in local government, community energy delivery, and stakeholder engagement, I believe I can contribute effectively across CEL’s key workstreams, especially in policy, partnerships and community outreach. I would also welcome the chance to support CEL’s fundraising efforts and bring in new contacts across both public sector and private institutions.