Hello, and thanks for your interest in becoming the New Economics Foundation’s next Chief Executive.
Since 1986, NEF has been leading progressive thought and action, bringing together economic, social, and environmental policy. Three overlapping missions guide our work – a new social settlement, a Green New Deal, and the democratic economy. Across each, we are building power and influencing the debate to win policy change, sitting at the heart of the progressive ecosystem, whether that’s in the corridors of Westminster or a community hall in Glossop.
The political and economic turbulence of the past few years has opened the space for new ideas, with the environmental and cost of living crises increasing awareness that the old way of thinking is simply unsustainable. The rules and institutions that shape our failing economy are not forces of nature beyond our control, but have been designed by people – and, crucially, can be re-designed by people. We know that if ideas are to achieve traction across the political, social, and cultural spectrums, they need power behind them, and our brilliant, dedicated team works daily alongside people at the sharp end of the economy, other NGOs, unions, small businesses, and politicians to drive change.
From co-founding the Jubilee 2000 Debt campaign to incubating the original Green New Deal, we have long spearheaded fundamental change to the neoliberal economic system alongside helping people in the here and now. Our Living Income campaign is currently transforming the debate around social security fit for the 21st century, making sure nobody falls below a decent standard of living. Working with our partners, we have had influence from across the political spectrum, such as winning reforms to Universal Credit from the Conservative Government, the Labour Party embracing our £28bn green investment package, and our Great Homes Upgrade programme to retrofit 19 million homes this decade. At the regional level we are collaborating with Metro Mayors and communities to transform economies in their combined authorities to truly deliver wellbeing for local people.
We are proud of the progress we have made under our outgoing Chief Executive, Miatta Fahnbulleh, who leaves a firm foundation on which you will be able to build. We particularly value a collaborative, empowering approach to leadership grounded in inclusivity and wellbeing, and we are looking for someone that is committed to making change and has the energy, enthusiasm, and pragmatism to deliver tangible outcomes for both people and planet.
With politics in flux and economic orthodoxies increasingly questioned, this is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the defining issues of our time. I hope you decide you want to join the team and lead NEF in changing the rules in the crucial time up to the next election and beyond.
Lord Bob Kerslake, Chair of the Board of Trustees