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Sarah Longlands

Chief Executive

Sarah Longlands is Chief Executive of CLES, leading the organisation to champion community wealth building, inclusive local economies and place-based policy that enables people to live good lives in the places they call home.

A leading authority in regional and local economic development, Sarah is a regular media commentator with appearances on BBC Breakfast and a column with the Municipal Journal. She also serves as a non-executive director on the board of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Prior to joining CLES, Sarah was director of the think tank IPPR North. She has also worked in local government and holds a PhD in Urban Studies from the University of Glasgow.

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What we're all about

Our expertise

We help places tackle the big issues that shape local economies — creating fairer systems, stronger communities and lasting change.
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Our thinking

Explore the latest ideas, insights and actions from CLES - sharing what we’re learning, questioning and creating with our partners.
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    For press enquiries please reach out to us on rosielockwood@cles.org.uk, or by calling 07802 453340

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