New Chair appointed for Carnegie UK

David Emerson is the new chair of Carnegie UK, succeeding Sir John Elvidge who has completed a five-year term.

Mr Emerson will chair their board of trustees, overseeing the work of the social change organisation that promotes collective wellbeing. He joins the Dunfermline-based foundation that works across the UK and Ireland, a year after the body published their strategy for change.

Mr Emerson is the current chair of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) and Longleigh Foundation and was for 15 years chief executive of the Association of Charitable Foundations.

Mr Emerson said: “I am honoured to be joining Carnegie UK – an organisation with a distinguished heritage, and values which align with my own. With storm clouds on the horizon for families and communities across the UK, Carnegie UK’s focus on collective wellbeing is more important than ever.

“I am looking forward to bringing the experience I gained working with other charitable foundations to Carnegie UK. Working with my fellow trustees, I believe that we can ensure the organisation delivers meaningful change.”

Paying tribute to his predecessor, David Emerson said: “With a relationship with Carnegie UK that dates back to 2012, John was instrumental in shaping the organisation as it is today. He set the bar of ambition high and helped Trustees navigate a period of strategic change. John leaves big shoes to fill, but I know that working with Sarah and colleagues we can rise to the challenge.”

Former Scottish Government Permanent Secretary Sir John Elvidge became a fellow of Carnegie UK in 2012 to lead their influential Enabling State work, which explored a new relationship between governments, individuals and communities. He was appointed a trustee in 2014 and became chair of the board in 2017.

Sarah Davidson, chief executive of Carnegie UK, said: “John made a huge contribution to Carnegie UK’s thinking and practice over the past decade.

“In addition to providing invaluable counsel on the UK’s public policy landscape, he was actively involved in key programmes of work, including in Northern Ireland. He leaves Carnegie UK in a strong position for the future.”

Sir John Elvidge said: “It has been my privilege to help steer Carnegie UK through a period of substantial economic, cultural and social change. On more than one front, we’ve broken public policy ground, and moved the dial in discussions about our collective priorities.

“Throughout my tenure, the staff and trustee team at Carnegie UK have been insightful, committed and kind. I am certain that with David and Sarah at the helm, the organisation will continue to push forward the debate about the world we want to live in.”