Demos appoints Dr. Michelle Harrison as Chair of Board of Trustees
Demos is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Michelle Harrison as Chair of its Board of Trustees.
Michelle joins Demos at a pivotal moment as Britain faces a democratic emergency. As trust in politics and institutions sits at record lows, Demos is working to upgrade democracy and build a new deal between citizens and the state, where the state delivers on its promises, people feel listened to by policy-makers and public access to trusted news is protected.
Michelle brings more than three decades of leadership experience spanning business, public policy, research, citizen engagement and public service reform. She succeeds Dame Julie Mellor DBE, who has chaired Demos since 2018.
Most recently, Michelle was the founding CEO of Verian, one of the world’s leading public policy research and advisory organisations. Throughout her career she has worked with governments, public institutions and civil society organisations across the world to better understand the needs, experiences and priorities of citizens and translate those insights into meaningful change.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Michelle Harrison said:
“Demos has been around as long as I have been embedded in the policy landscape but it is now meeting the moment of the democratic emergency like no other organisation in its field.
“Its focus on upgrading democracy, renewing public services, designing a new deal for citizens in the economy and reshaping the information environment are critical.
“I am delighted to join at this pivotal moment. I will do everything I can, on behalf of the organisation and its mission – democracy itself – to help deliver the change that is needed.”
Chief Executive, Polly Curtis said:
“Michelle has spent her career helping organisations understand what people think, need and expect, and turning those insights into real-world change. She brings an extraordinary combination of leadership experience, intellectual rigour and a deep commitment to citizen voice.
“Demos’s trustees were looking for a new Chair who not only shared our belief that democracy can work better for ordinary people, but who could help us turn that belief into impact. Michelle is exactly that person. I’m absolutely delighted to welcome her to Demos and excited about what we’ll achieve together.
“I am also deeply grateful to Dame Julie for her extraordinary support to the whole team at Demos, and for me personally.”
During Dame Julie’s eight year tenure as chair of Demos the organisation has more than doubled in size and income, with refreshed leadership and strengthened governance systems, leaving it more resilient and able to meet this moment of democratic emergency.
Outgoing Chair, Dame Julie Mellor said:
“When I became Chair in 2018, public trust in institutions was already under strain. Today, the case for upgrading our democracy and giving citizens a stronger voice in the decisions that affect their lives is growing increasingly important.
“I am so proud of the role Demos has played in meeting that challenge and of everything the team has achieved over the past eight years.
“Michelle is an exceptional leader with a lifelong commitment to understanding people’s experiences and turning insight into action. I can think of no one better placed to help guide Demos through the years ahead, and I am delighted to be passing the baton to her.”
Michelle has spent much of her career helping organisations understand public attitudes, behaviour and expectations. Alongside her executive leadership roles, she has served as a trustee, adviser and board member across a range of organisations focused on social justice, innovation, public participation and gender equality. She was a founding trustee of Involve, the UK’s leading public participation charity, and has served as a trustee of Nesta, Social Finance and Big Win Philanthropy, among others.
Her appointment reflects Demos’s continued commitment to putting citizens at the heart of policymaking and strengthening democratic participation at every level of society.
The Board and staff of Demos would like to thank Dame Julie Mellor for her outstanding leadership, guidance and support over the past eight years. Under her leadership, Demos has strengthened its position as the UK’s leading cross-party think tank and expanded its work on democratic renewal, public service reform, economic policy and online information environments.
Michelle will formally take up the role of Chair this summer.