Public Life was founded by social entrepreneur James Green after more than two decades working in and around public life - from youth work, to national lobbying for social housing, to working in communities facing social challenges.
Through those experiences he came to the view that there was a fundamental problem with public life in this country - it doesn't actually involve the public. We're facing significant social challenges and yet those creating solutions to our most pressing problems are almost never the people living them on the ground.
But there is hope. Our communities are full of inspiring local people with the innovative ideas and passion to drive change that comes from lived experience. But without financial security and a truly inclusive opportunity they are held back from becoming the social entrepreneurs we need.
That led James to spend the last seven years - slightly obsessively! - designing, delivering, testing and proving the Citizen First model. After a series of successful pilots, he launched Citizen First LCR across the Liverpool City Region and is now working to bring this unique and proven approach to communities across the country.
"James has been working at the forefront of public-led innovation for years. His unique approach puts the public at the heart of change and creates both empowerment and activism at the heart of society. I have seen the impact of his programmes first-hand and have been blown away by him and his team."
Dave Allan, Founder, ?WhatIf! Innovation
