Led and managed the team, provided strategic direction to deliver high quality services across the sustainable communities, regeneration and community development sectors. Generated over £1m income, strengthened the organisation and increased its recognition in the region and nationally. Applied analytical and research skills to determine priorities and identify good practice. Analysed policy and provided written and oral briefings. Developed and delivered a range of creative seminars and conferences reaching over 1000 practitioners, community leaders and councillors each year, from across the public, voluntary, community and private sectors.

Working with the community, voluntary, public and private sectors to support community led activity in the East of England. Created and facilitated practitioner networks, including being the inaugural chair of the Community Development Network East, and a member of the Funding East steering group. Led the formation and development of the Regional Empowerment Partnership, bringing together partners to design and deliver a programme of activity. Mapped and analysed community empowerment activity in the region, developed case studies, and delivered training and events on a range of topics. Represented the region, and partnerships from the English regions, on national policy development and implementation groups.

Managed a number of economic and social regeneration programmes, including: community development, rural development and physical regeneration projects. Coordinated and led the development of the first urban renaissance strategy for the East of England.

Advised councils across the country on ways to improve community engagement and participation. Helped to develop and deliver the organisations support to councillors on Big Society. Led the organisation's work on youth engagement to strengthen democracy, including research and resources to support councillors, officers and young people, so that young people can have better opportunity to shape the decisions that affect thier and thier communities lives. Created and facilitated an online practitioner network, with over 1700 members, to share ideas, develop practice and resolve issues. Wrote, commissioned or developed numerous publications, guides and resources, for example community empowerment mapping tools. Represented the local government sector on central government advisory groups. Speaking engagements included for audiences of practitioners, councillors and community organisations.