Taking on the role of Chair of CLOA is both a tremendous honour and daunting experience! Having worked in local government for over two decades—most of that time within cultural services—I’ve seen the transformative power of culture and active wellbeing in our communities. It’s a sector that has shaped my professional career and one that continues to motivate me every day.

My relationship with CLOA spans around 15 years, on and off, and throughout that time I’ve seen it develop into a strong, supportive, and influential voice for senior leaders working in culture and active wellbeing (noting the heavy lifting these three words are doing to reflect the breadth of services covered!). To now be entrusted with leading this organisation is a privilege. 

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work closely with some outstanding leaders during my time with CLOA. Chairs like Debbie Kaye, Julie Russell, and Val Birchall have left a lasting positive impact showing how to lead with integrity and purpose. 

I am supported by an impressive and talented CLOA Executive, and I am delighted to be supported by Julie Russell as immediate past Chair, Val Birchall, Thorsten Dreyer and Penny Greenwood- Pearsons as Vice Chairs.  

As I look ahead, our mission remains clear: to champion the value of culture and active wellbeing, and to support our members and senior leaders with tools, networks, and confidence to lead through complexity. As an Executive, we will continue to advocate strongly for a more joined-up system—one that works collaboratively across boundaries—and, of course, we will continue to advocate for a properly funded local government sector.

CLOA represents a diverse and passionate group of senior leaders across the UK, and our collective voice matters—especially now, as local government navigates a period of significant change. Reorganisation, devolution, and shifting political landscapes are reshaping the way we work, and CLOA must continue to be heard and be a source of support through it all. We will continue to use our strength to make connections —between partners, systems, and departments—to advocate for our sector ultimately for the benefit of our places and communities. 

In a time of ongoing and unprecedented financial challenges, CLOA remains committed to supporting our members. We know that learning and development budgets (and all budgets) are under immense pressure, which is why we will continue to offer free, relevant roundtables where members can share ideas, work through issues, and learn from one another. Our annual conference in June will remain a highlight in the calendar, and—having heard from you—we’re excited to confirm that we will once again host an in-person meeting in April to provide space for networking, reflection, and connection.

We will continue to showcase and celebrate the powerful impact of our sector and system on communities and places. Culture and active wellbeing are essential drivers of inclusive growth, improved health and wellbeing, and vehicles for tackling inequality. 

As leaders, we have a responsibility to champion this value, to make the case for investment, and to ensure our services remain resilient and relevant in the face of financial pressures, climate change, and structural changes to local government.

So as I start my journey as Chair of CLOA, I look forward to working with you, learning from you, and shaping the future of our sector together.

Donna Pentelow – Chair of CLOA