Helen Dennis

Helen works with NEF on projects relating to Local Economy and Sustainable Development. As a cabinet member in Local Government, she oversaw the largest council house-building programme in the country, drove forward plans for Southwark’s first Community Land Trust, and was responsible for implementation of recommendations from Southwark’s Land Commission aimed at freeing up more public land for public good.

Helen also has experience leading global policy and advocacy work, and UK government relations. She was the Fairtrade Foundation’s adviser and spokesperson on trade policy during the Brexit negotiations and also coordinated Christian Aid’s work to influence the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on inequality, tax justice and climate change. She is passionate about community-led solutions, connecting people with power, and translating policy ambitions into tangible, meaningful changes.