National #TrustLeaders CEO Conference 2024

Anne has spent the last three decades working to improve the life chances of children, particularly the most vulnerable. She has recently founded and become Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives – a new, dynamic, innovative, independent think tank and delivery unit dedicated exclusively to improving the lives of children, young people, and families in the UK.

From 2015 to 2021, she was Children’s Commissioner for England where she spent six years championing the rights and interests of children with those in power who make decisions about children’s lives, acting as children’s ‘eyes and ears’ in the corridors of power in Whitehall and Westminster. As Children’s Commissioner, she was a vocal advocate for children during the pandemic. She previously led a national children’s charity and has also worked on the delivery of the Sure Start programme in the No 10 Strategy Unit. She spent many years campaigning for better childcare, often at a time when many saw the issue as obscure or niche.

As UK Director, Luke leads More in Common’s ground-breaking UK public opinion and thought leadership work. Luke has worked to shine a light on what the public thinks about topics as diverse as immigration, climate change, gender identity and mental health. With a focus on the nuances and complexity of public opinion, he has helped policymakers, business and civil society navigate issues often regarded as tricky and divisive. Since starting work at More in Common, Luke has overseen the development of its in-house UK research agency and directs their regular programme of polling and focus groups. He is a regular commentator on UK public opinion across both print and broadcast media and has appeared on Radio 4’s Today Programme, Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Times Radio and Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge. He has also written for various publications including the Times, Telegraph, Guardian, New Statesman and the Spectator. Before joining More in Common, Luke’s career spanned politics, public opinion, and government. He served as a Special Advisor to Nicky Morgan during the Cameron administration and as Director of Strategy at the education inspectorate Ofsted.