I work to get more people involved in decisions over their lives and push for governments to be open, transparent, and accountable. This builds trust, strengthens democracy, and leads to better outcomes for communities.

One way I do this is by chairing the UK Open Government Network and co-chairing the UK Multistakeholder Forum, which bring together government, via the Cabinet Office, and civil society to jointly create policies that save taxpayers money and improve lives.

I engage with international networks and share best practice through the global Open Government Partnership (OGP) and have supported civil society around the world, including in Ukraine, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. I chair and speak at national and international events on restoring trust, and was selected for the OGP Europe-wide leadership programme.

Beyond this, I help drive major national initiatives. I’m supporting the 80th anniversary of VE Day to honour veterans and celebrate democratic values that endure. Previously, I played a key role in the award-winning Big Help Out, securing buy-in from major business leaders for a campaign that mobilised six million volunteers.

I also lead and support change in other ways. I ran 70 miles along Hadrian’s Wall in 13 hours to raise money for food banks, I am a trustee of a Liverpool homelessness charity, and a hospital governor.

I help others make an impact too, sometimes by leading campaigns for causes I care about, or drafting speeches or articles for high-profile public figures, including former prime ministers, celebrities and sports stars. Other times, by shaping strategy, advising on public engagement, or securing front-page coverage. I know what makes a story and how to land it.

I have led media operations for major events, from political rallies and royal visits to Premier League football parades. I’ve worked alongside some of the best strategic communicators, and worked on two UK #1 bestselling books on leadership and youth engagement in politics with Alastair Campbell.

I have a passion for places.

Burnley was named the UK’s ‘most enterprising area’ by the government following a bid I wrote, about a place-focussed business network I set up, and was nominated for the European Commission’s Enterprise Promotion Award. I advised the Australian Capital Territory on city branding to attract inward investment. The ‘smart week’ I created on urban innovation was Australia’s first. The open data hackathon I helped lead was the southern hemisphere’s largest. And I helped co-create the OECD’s Government After Shock, chairing a conversation between Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and ex Deputy PM Lord Heseltine on devolution.

I never stop learning. And I am always excited by what is next.

Drop me a line if you are too.

You can find out more about me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevkeith/