Steering Group Launched
The Impact Alliance (IA) Steering Group, which was written into the Governance and Accountability Framework last year, has now been officially established and held its first introductory meeting today.
The Steering Group brings together a diverse set of individuals to guide the Alliance’s strategic direction. Reflecting the breadth of IA’s membership, the group represents a wide mix of sectors, geographies, expertise and experience, ensuring that decision-making reflects the voices and perspectives of the Alliance as a whole.
It has been established to enable agile decision-making and maintain appropriate assurance, oversight and accountability in how IA’s work is delivered. It plays a key role in ensuring that projects are governed effectively, resources are used responsibly, and learning is shared across the network.
Each member is drawn from an IA Partner Member. The group is constituted to mirror the collaborative and inclusive ethos at the heart of the Alliance, and members are expected to actively seek out and champion the views of others across the membership, particularly those not directly represented in discussions.
Central to the IA approach is a strong emphasis on shared responsibility. Accountability is bidirectional: Steering Group members are accountable to the wider membership for their decisions and actions, while all IA members have a responsibility to engage, share feedback and help shape the Alliance’s work. This mutual accountability underpins IA’s commitment to collaboration and collective impact.
The Steering Group has now held its introductory meeting, marking the start of its formal work. From this point forward, members will meet on a quarterly basis to review progress, track milestones and make timely, informed decisions that drive the Alliance’s mission forward.
Current members of the steering group
Simon Allen - 3SG, Digital Wonderlab (B&NES)
Julie Barnett - University of Bath (B&NES)
Oliver Delaney - Quartet Community Foundation (West of England)
Chris Head - North Somerset Council; Mendip Villages Joint Committee
Sado Jirde - Black South West Network (West of England)
Kay Libby, Age UK Bristol; Bristol Ageing Better Alliance; VCSE Alliance (Bristol)
Julian Mines, Bristol Charities (Bristol)
Carol Watson, South Gloucestershire Council (S.Glos)
David Williams, St Monica Trust (West of England)
If you’re working to reduce loneliness or have bold ideas to strengthen connection in your community, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at info@impact-alliance.org.uk.