Matt Leach to depart Local Trust in spring 2025

Matt Leach will be leaving Local Trust in April 2025 as part of the planned downsizing of the organisation, as it completes delivery of the Big Local programme in 2026.

Trustees are immensely proud of Local Trust’s achievements and Matt’s contribution during his time leading the organisation.

Chair of trustees, David Warner paid tribute to Matt’s leadership over this period saying:

“During his eight years as chief executive of Local Trust, Matt has overseen the successful delivery of Big Local, a unique funding programme putting trust and resources in the hands of residents of 150 deprived neighbourhoods across England. Over that time, Local Trust has made an increasingly strong, distinctive and impactful contribution to the public debate, and policy development around how we meet the needs and challenges of our most ‘left behind’ communities.

“In particular, I am proud of how, under Matt’s leadership, Local Trust has helped shape what is now a shared understanding of the central importance of robust and vibrant locally led institutions and social infrastructure as the foundation of powerful communities and successful neighbourhoods. The success of the Local Trust-led, cross-sectoral campaign for dormant assets to be committed to a Community Wealth Fund stands as evidence to the impact that has been achieved here.”

Reflecting on his time at Local Trust, Matt Leach said:

“This has been about so much more than just grant-making. For the last eight years I have been able to travel the country – often to places missed out or neglected by conventional funders and statutory agencies. In those communities, I’ve been privileged to be able to meet incredible people, and listen to their stories. I’ve seen them face down challenges and overcome overwhelming odds. Working together with their neighbours and determined to succeed.

“It’s been both astonishing and inspiring – working every day with the most imaginative, resourceful and passionate people as they achieve amazing things for their local neighbourhoods. I’ve seen and learnt more than I ever thought possible. Most importantly, the Big Local programme has demonstrated the power of local people to transform their own communities, and the potential that can be unleashed when you trust them with funds, time and the support they need to achieve their ambitions.

“I am incredibly grateful to the fantastic staff team at Local Trust and what has been a visionary and supportive Board of trustees for enabling me to be a part of something unique and very special.”

Matt will be succeeded by Rachel Rowney, currently chief operating officer at Local Trust. Rachel has been part of the team at Local Trust responsible for delivering Big Local since 2012.

As the organisation moves out of its delivery phase, we will accelerate our work to embed and further deliver our vision for mainstreaming an approach to communities which are resident-led, rebuilding the country’s social capital and infrastructure, neighbourhood by neighbourhood.