Camilla de Bernhardt Lane
Director of Practice
Camilla joined the team in January 2024, having had an ongoing relationship with the Centre throughout her Scrutiny career, and previously working for the organisation first during a secondment and then as an associate. She an innovative leader dedicated to driving impactful change through her extensive portfolio career.
With almost two decades in the public sector, most recently as the Head of Scrutiny at Devon County Council, she has led a dynamic team in conducting groundbreaking reviews across the public sector, adeptly navigating controversial agendas. Notable achievements include obtaining an MBA and Senior Leader Qualification during the pandemic, expertise in people, contract and impact management, and fostering high-performing teams in local government improvement.
Camilla’s governance work has spanned the Council and NHS, with more than eight years as the Principal Health Scrutiny Officer at Devon. She has produced in excess of forty task group review reports, contributing significantly to issues like problem gambling, the armed forces, and health systems, showcasing an innovative approach to tackling complex challenges. Camilla’s career is marked by diverse experiences, including a secondment as a Lead Policy Officer for the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport, she has also held roles at North Somerset Council, Westminster City Council, East Sussex County Council, and the Royal National Institute for the Blind. Her academic background is comprehensive, including an MSc in Policy Research from Bristol University and an MBA from Exeter University.
In addition, Camilla has played a pivotal role in establishing, developing, and running a social enterprise and nature-based health consultancy. Her achievements encompass effective financial management, securing grants/tenders, delivering virtual solutions to support mental wellbeing during lockdown, working with universities to develop a clear knowledge and evidence base and designing therapeutic interventions in nature.
Throughout her career, Camilla has excelled in creative approaches to policy development, research and listening, learning initiatives, and innovation. Notable achievements include designing innovative sponsorship strategies, securing funding, writing national policies, establishing profitable National Awards, applied research for impact and achieving various certifications, including a Level 7 Senior Leader certification from the Chartered Management Institute.
