We are thrilled to announce that Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO, CBE has been appointed as Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund. Known internationally for her unwavering commitment to "connecting the unconnected," Dame Julia is a passionate and practical campaigner who inspires individuals and organisations to collaborate for the common good, especially in the most challenged communities.

Over the course of her career, Dame Julia has built a legacy of transformative impact. As Vice President of Business in the Community and a former Special Adviser to The Prince's Charities, she has championed responsible business practices and fostered collaboration to strengthen disadvantaged communities. She co-founded Step Up To Serve (#iwill), a campaign to embed meaningful social action into young people's lives across the UK.

Her leadership as Chair of Teach First from 2007 to 2014, and now as Vice Patron, has been pivotal in addressing educational disadvantage. Additionally, as Patron of Right to Succeed and through her work in Claremont, Blackpool, Dame Julia has leveraged her vast experience to enable long-term, place-based change in communities across England and Wales.

A Foundational Legacy at Place Matters

In 2019, Dame Julia co-founded Place Matters to empower communities to lead the change they want to see through impactful connection and learning. As our founding Chair, she has guided Place Matters with unparalleled dedication. Her vision of collaboration and her deep commitment to building bridges between people and organisations have been central to our mission.

Dame Julia's leadership has been nothing short of transformative, inspiring our journey and strengthening our capacity to create meaningful change in communities across the country.

A Fond Farewell

As of November 2024, Dame Julia will step down as Chair of Place Matters to focus on her new role with The National Lottery Community Fund. While her departure marks the end of an incredible chapter for Place Matters, her influence and guidance will remain deeply ingrained in our work.

We are immensely grateful for Dame Julia's remarkable leadership, her tireless advocacy for communities, and her unwavering belief in the power of connection and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

As she steps into her new role, we are confident Dame Julia will bring her trademark energy, vision, and commitment to The National Lottery Community Fund. We look forward to seeing the extraordinary impact she will undoubtedly make.

Thank you, Dame Julia, for everything you have done for Place Matters! Your legacy will continue to inspire us all.