Local Trust appoints new chief executive

Rachel Rowney has been appointed chief executive of place-based funder Local Trust, taking over from Matt Leach as the organisation completes delivery of the Big Local programme by 2026.

Rachel, who joined Local Trust in 2012 and became chief operating officer in 2021, will focus on ensuring the programme’s successful conclusion and sharing its insights. 

With a career supporting national neighbourhood renewal programmes, Rachel has played a key role in shaping Big Local since its inception. 

She now leads the organisation at a crucial time, aiming to strengthen the case for long-term, community-led interventions across the UK.

She said: “I’m excited to build on Matt’s brilliant work in what is a hugely exciting and important time for Local Trust. 

“Matt has done an outstanding job of putting community action on the agenda, and now it’s time for us to maximise the impact of the Big Local programme. 

“My priorities in this pivotal phase, as we move out of delivery, will be to use what we’ve learnt to make the strongest possible case for community-led, long-term interventions to rebuild the country’s creaking stocks of social infrastructure, neighbourhood by neighbourhood.”

Outgoing chief executive Matt Leach leaves after eight years of leadership, having helped embed community action and social infrastructure into national policy debates.

Matt added: “Big Local has been an incredibly successful journey and I feel privileged to have contributed to a programme that has changed so many lives and empowered communities across the UK. 

“I’m hugely proud that so much of the learning from the Big Local programme – about the value of trusting local people, and the importance of social capital and social infrastructure – is now a mainstream part of the policy debate. 

“I know that Rachel will do a fantastic job taking Local Trust into this new phase. She has helped shape Big Local from the very outset, and for the last 13 years has been leading from the front, ensuring that it delivered on its ethos and promise. Local Trust is in very safe hands.”

Big Local has given over £1 million to each of 150 areas to spend on community priorities.

David Warner, chair of trustees, added: “Rachel is taking over at a crucial time for Local Trust. 

“I’m looking forward to working with her in her new role as we continue supporting local people make their communities better places to live through the Big Local programme. 

“I would also like to thank Matt for his dedication and contribution to Local Trust, his eight years as chief executive have been transformative for the organisation.”

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