Today, the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) is announcing a significant transition in its senior team, as Ed Hammond and Camilla de Bernhardt Lane prepare to leave the organisation next month for new positions with Grant Thornton.
After more than 17 years, Ed – who started working with us as a researcher and most recently served as our Deputy Chief Executive – has made an extraordinary contribution to CfGS. Camilla, who joined in 2023 and has had a long relationship with the organisation, will also leave a strong legacy through her practice work, including her work on the Elevate programme and her support to councils on governance and scrutiny
New team members
As CfGS continues to evolve in response to the changing landscape of local government, we are also pleased to welcome Cath Buckley and Natalie Rotherham to the team. Cath joins in April as Director of Practice, bringing extensive experience in scrutiny, governance and local government improvement. Natalie joins on an interim basis as Director of Practice – Governance and Devolution – bringing deep expertise in governance, organisational improvement and devolution.
Together with the wider CfGS team, these appointments will support continuity in delivery while strengthening our practice for the future.
Mel Stevens, Chief Executive, said:
“Ed and Camilla have both made a huge contribution to CfGS and to the wider governance and scrutiny field. We are deeply grateful for everything they have brought to the organisation and the sector over many years.
“We are also entering a new phase, with Cath and Natalie joining the team. Their experience and leadership will strengthen our work on governance, scrutiny and devolution, as we continue to support councils and partners to navigate complexity, strengthen accountability and build democratic capability.”
Ed’s legacy
Ed has helped shape a significant body of CfGS’s thinking, publications and practice. His impact spans a wide range of our work, including major contributions on devolution, governance and scrutiny across the country. His influence on the development of scrutiny and accountability has been widely felt across the sector.
Ed Hammond said:
“I have greatly enjoyed my 17 years at CfGS. During that time, the local government sector – and scrutiny’s place within it – has changed massively. But I hope that CfGS’s role as a champion for accountability, transparency and good governance has remained consistent.
“During my time here, I have really valued the opportunity that I have had to support councillors and officers carrying out their roles – often in difficult, challenging circumstances, but all sharing that commitment to local democracy.
“The organisation continues to punch above its weight – something which I know will continue as the organisation enters a new chapter.”
While we will miss both Ed and Camilla, we are delighted for them and excited to see what they go on to do next.
As CfGS looks ahead it will continue its work to ensure our democracy remains strong, vibrant and accountable. At the same time, we continue to evolve, responding to growing complexity in governance, scrutiny, accountability and community voice.
We wish Ed and Camilla all the very best for the future and look forward to the next chapter for CfGS.
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