NEWS: Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive to join UK100 board
Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury has joined the UK100 board – the UK’s only cross-party network dedicated to supporting ambitious local government leaders committed to tackling the climate crisis.
Graham will bring over 25 years’ experience to the board, offering vital insight and best practice as to how to support local communities and businesses to build capacity and resilience, tackle hardship, achieve a just transition to net-zero and help nature recover in a way that reduces inequality and leads to better work and healthier, happier lives.
UK100 have also announced an expanded team of Co-presidents representing all major political parties, with Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council (Labour); Cllr Andy Mellen, Leader of Mid Suffolk Council (Green Party); and Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council (Liberal Democrat) joining existing Co-president Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council (Conservative).
Members of the UK100 network have all pledged to meet their ambitious climate targets ahead of the government’s 2050 goal. The new Co-presidents will represent the network on the national stage, advocating for the powers and resources local authorities need to deliver on these ambitions.
Clem Cowton, Director of External Affairs at Octopus Energy Group; and Kristy Owen-Jardine, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Asset Management will also be joining the board, strengthening the organisation’s expertise in energy, finance and community engagement.
The appointments come at a crucial moment for local climate action, with the government’s transformative devolution agenda presenting opportunities and challenges for councils across the UK working to accelerate climate progress while delivering local growth.
Speaking of the role, Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said:
When we think about tackling the climate crisis we too often default either to global agreements or individual actions. This overlooks the power and potential of collective action in local areas – where councils and communities co-design solutions that promote both sustainability and equity. UK100 is right at the cutting edge of this – championing innovation and replicating good practice. I’m delighted to be supporting this vital work.
Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100, said:
I’m thrilled to welcome our expanded team of Co-presidents and new board members at what is a pivotal moment for local climate action. Having every major political party represented in our leadership team sends a powerful message that climate action transcends traditional political divides.
“Tracey, Andy, Lucy and Richard are outstanding local leaders who bring diverse perspectives but share a commitment to ambitious climate action. Their collective experience – from urban regeneration to rural sustainability – will be invaluable in advocating for the powers and resources local authorities need.
“Our new board members also bring invaluable expertise across energy, finance, and community climate action. And honoured Clem, Graham and Kristy have given up their time to support us in our mission to unite ambitious, cross-party local leaders to tackle climate change in their communities.
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact: media@groundwork.org.uk
About Groundwork
Groundwork is a federation of charities with a collective mission to take practical action to create a fair and green future in which people, places, and nature thrive. We support communities and businesses to build capacity and resilience in order to tackle hardship, achieve a just transition to net-zero and help nature recover in a way that reduces inequality and leads to healthier, happier lives for all: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/about-groundwork/ourstrategy/
About UK100
UK100’s primary purpose is to support a local-led rapid transition to Net Zero and Clean Air. We do this through collaboration.
To accelerate action, we believe in bringing together the most influential leaders across the country to learn together and agree on priorities for legislative and regulatory change while empowering them to engage with national decision-makers.
We provide our network with the knowledge, tools and connections to make this happen.