About Matthew

Matthew joined Innovation Unit in 2009 and now jointly leads our organisation in partnership with the remarkable Sarah Gillinson. 

As well as leading the organisation, Matthew leads our Children and Families work and is closely involved in all our Climate Action work.

Matthew is driven by a strong sense for social justice  - that children’s life chances should not be determined by their social class or characteristics. And as we move towards net zero, we create a just transition which does not reproduce or exacerbate the stark inequalities created by our current economic model. 

Matthew believes in children, families and communities having more power and control, and is a firm advocate of coproduction as a way in which public services can work with communities to create better outcomes and avoid dependency.  

Matthew lives in Yorkshire with his family, where he is member of an Academy Trust, having been a Trustee, chair of finance and governor. He is also heavily involved in young people’s sport, and manages the junior section of a local cricket club. When he can, he climbs mountains; when he can’t he plants trees.