PHOTO: Natasha Johnson, Director of Partnerships, Global Entrepreneurs UK
As part of our ‘Spotlight on our Board’ series, we’ve recorded a video with our D2N2 LEP Board Member, Natasha Johnson, Director of Partnerships at Global Entrepreneurs UK. Natasha is our Lead Board member for inclusion. In the film, Natasha talks about the importance of inclusion, and explains why we’re setting up a new Inclusion Steering Group, and our Head of External Affairs, Nicola Swaney, explains the context for this programme of work.
Natasha says:
“I’m passionate about inclusion, having worked in the non-profit sector for almost 25 years. I work developing projects to support some of the most marginalised groups, addressing food poverty, developing skills, supporting digital inclusion and supporting young people into employment. As part of my inclusion work with D2N2 LEP, we have recently set up an inclusion steering group, made up of a group of experts from around the region. We’ll be looking at how we can ensure inclusive growth is at the heart of all strategy in our region. As a businesswoman, entrepreneur, mother and grandmother, I understand and empathise with many aspects of inclusion, which is why I’m proud to be playing a key part in this.”
The D2N2 LEP Inclusion Steering Group met for the first time this week, chaired by Natasha, and a new research programme of work has been commissioned by D2N2 LEP to focus on the particular inclusion challenges faced in the D2N2 region. As the D2N2 LEP team and functions prepare to transition into the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), the recommendations of the Inclusion Steering Group will align with EMCCA’s strategic framework and inclusive growth priorities, which include reducing inequality and promoting social mobility to allow people to achieve their potential, and improving healthy life expectancy and reducing inequalities, especially in communities and groups that are most disadvantaged.
Watch the D2N2 LEP inclusion video
D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) covers the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire region, convening the businesses, universities, colleges and local authorities in our region to drive low carbon, economic growth and productivity, skills & careers, inclusion and delivery excellence. The D2N2 LEP team and functions will transition into the East Midlands Combined County Authority during 2024.
For media enquiries, contact:
Nicola Swaney
Head of External Affairs, D2N2 LEP
Nicola.Swaney@d2n2lep.org
