Claire Spencer, Daniel Hill, and Fin Irwin have joined the Board of Power to Change, the think-do tank that backs community business.
The new Trustees bring a wealth of experience and passion for community business to Power to Change. Their backgrounds range from working at the regional authority level to grow the social economy and advocating for inclusive regeneration policies to working directly with and in communities. They all share a strong belief in the power of community business.
Tim Davies-Pugh, Chief Executive of Power to Change, said: “I would like to welcome Claire Spencer, Daniel Hill, and Fin Irwin to our Board. It’s an exciting time for Power to Change. We see a future where more communities run businesses that give them the power to change what matters to them. Where people are creating more resilient places that are better to live and work in for everyone. With their experiences working with and in community businesses, Claire, Daniel and Fin add to the expertise our Board has to help guide us in achieving this vision. I very much look forward to working with them.
“With these appointments, we are also saying goodbye to Sarah Gorman, who has been a key part of our Board for over two years. We thank her whole heartedly for her contributions in shaping Power to Change over her time as a Trustee.”
Claire, Daniel and Fin join Anne-Marie Harris, Deepa Shah, Hardev Virdee, Ian Hempseed, Jess Steele, Léonie Austin, Melissa Mean, and chair Tony Burton as members of the Power to Change Board. The appointments come alongside Trustee Sarah Gorman stepping down in September.
Tony Burton, Chair of Power to Change, said: “With these appointments, the Power to Change Board gains valuable perspectives and important skills in championing the important role played by community business. All three will help in shaping the future of Power to Change and refining our think-do approach. They join the Board as we say farewell to Sarah Gorman, who has been a valuable member since 2022. We wish Sarah all the best for the future.”
About the new Trustees
Claire Spencer
Claire has broad experience of public service leadership, governance, and reform, including at West Midlands Combined Authority where she established and led the region’s approach to inclusive growth, including the social economy growth programme. She currently works for the Leadership Centre as its Associate Director of Public Sector and Politics and as Head of Policy and Programmes at the Future Governance Forum think tank. She is also co-chair of Moseley Community Development Trust, a community business local to her.
In response to her appointment, Claire said: “I am delighted to be starting as a new Trustee alongside Daniel and Fin. Power to Change has been a steadfast ally of the social economy, and I have experienced the multiplicity of ways they help community businesses and strategic authorities in the various roles that I have held in and around Birmingham and the West Midlands. Having benefited from that wisdom, support, and allyship, it feels only right to return the favour by investing some of my expertise and energy into helping the organisation write the next chapter of its story.”
Daniel Hill
Dan is a leading and experienced inclusive regeneration, affordable housing and just transition practitioner and policy expert. He has over 20 years’ experience of collaborating with politicians, residents, businesses, social enterprises, community organisations and other stakeholders to shape and deliver successful regeneration programmes and projects. Dan has operated at director level within local authorities, housing associations, social enterprises and in consultancies. And he has extensive experience across most aspects of the built environment.
In response to his appointment, Daniel said: “Community businesses are crucial in creating better places and supporting us all to thrive. Local arts organisations, community land trusts, social impact bakeries or design collectives are all part of the future. I am looking forward to working with the team and hoping to bring my experiences across local government, housing, place-shaping, and community business to the board as Power to Change starts a new phase in its development.”
Fin Irwin
Fin Irwin is a cultural entrepreneur and community advocate based in Cornwall, with a passion for promoting creativity and community engagement. He is the Founder and Co-Director of intoBodmin, a community interest company dedicated to revitalising Bodmin through cultural projects and inclusive activities. Under Fin’s leadership, intoBodmin has transformed the old library into a vibrant community hub, bringing people together and breaking down barriers to participation in the arts and civic engagement. Before establishing intoBodmin, Fin co-founded The Bike Shed Theatre in Exeter, an award-winning venue known for its innovative programming and support of emerging artists.
In response to his appointment, Fin said: “I’m thrilled to join Power to Change as a Trustee and contribute to their vital work in supporting community businesses. I’m passionate about empowering my local communities in Cornwall, using culture as a catalyst for change. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to help shape a future where community businesses are supported to be better change makers. I look forward to working with the team to ensure that community-led initiatives continue to create positive, lasting impact for people and places.”
