Press Release: WERN appoints new Chief Executive

Phillip Vincent, a champion of rural community development, joined the charity on 1 May.

Phillip comes to WERN from ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), where he recently held the position of Public Affairs and Communications Manager. Through his work with ACRE, Plunkett UK, Unison and local authorities, he also brings expertise in public and community engagement, policy and research, and managing projects and programmes.

Having specialised in rural community development for most of his career, he aims to continue WERN's strong support and advocacy for people who live and work outside of the main urban centres to make sure their needs and interests are better met.

Speaking of his appointment, Phillip said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the team at WERN and working with them to provide a distinctive voice and helping hand for rural communities across the West of England. The charity has some great achievements to build upon including a comprehensive network of village agents who support vulnerable and isolated residents, specialist advice and support for volunteers running village halls, and an oil buying scheme helping households save money on their energy bills. I hope to extend WERN’s impact by working with policy makers to consider how long-standing rural challenges such as the lack of affordable housing, weak transport links, and the need to support a just transition to net zero can be addressed. From my experience of working for ACRE nationally over 10 years, I know the most effective solutions are often those that enable rural communities to come together, and develop initiatives that meet local needs.”

Sam Ross, Chair of WERN, said, “We are so pleased to welcome Phillip at this time, when WERN is looking to the future, building on the work we already do to maintain healthy and thriving rural communities. With increasing pressure on funding through local authorities, Phillip understands the opportunities that a new regional mayor for the West of England can bring. Having Phillip’s experience and understanding of rural issues and challenges will be essential to build on our regional reputation for championing the needs of rural communities, cultivating positive relationships and increasing the organisation’s profile and impact.”

Phillip has joined WERN to take the organisation through the next stages of development and build on the charity's successes to date. Working with local authorities, other statutory services, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and the new Integrated Care Systems to influence policy, he will work to ensure the needs and voices of rural communities are always considered.

Phillip took up his appointment on 1 May.

Notes to editors 

WERN (West of England Rural Network) is a long-established, effective and widely trusted independent local infrastructure charity. It brings together communities, organisations, groups and individuals across the West of England within the three Unitary Authorities (UAs) of Bath & North-East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, to improve quality of life by understanding community needs and working towards improving services to achieve a sustainable future. WERN supports formal and informal community-based organisations that, in turn, help people in rural areas who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or isolated.