Our trustees
Sam is very active in her local community in Farmborough, as a Ward Councillor (B&NES Council), chairing the Parish Council, helping to set up the Repair Cafe and getting EV charging installed at the Memorial Hall. As well as being a WERN trustee, Sam sits on the Community Business Membership Panel of Plunkett UK and was a part of the advisory panel that led to the creation of ‘We’re Right Here’, a campaign group lobbying the government to shift power to local communities.
Sam Ross (Chair)
A resident of Keynsham, Laura is a consultant specialising in regional energy planning and local engagement. Laura is also the chair of Bristol Energy Network CIC and brings her expertise in community ownership, energy efficiency, and social justice to the board.
Laura Penny
Gloucestershire born and bred, Matthew is a farmer by profession. A member of South Gloucestershire Council since 2003, he served first as the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and then later as the Leader of the Council for four years. During this time he was instrumental along with the Mayor of Bristol and the Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council in setting up the new West of England Combined Authority. He is Chair of the English Severn and Wye Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and the Oldbury (Power Station) Site Stakeholder Group and also serves as the Vice Chair of the Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board and Oldbury-on-Severn Parish Council.
Matthew Riddle
Growing up in a rural and isolated community Edie has a first hand knowlwge of the difference support (or lack of) can make for someones life chances. Now working for DEFRA Edie has joined WERN to help address some of these practical challenges for rural communities.
Edie Whittingham
With thirty years working in the environment policy and change arena, including almost twenty as environmental sustainability and climate change policy lead in local government, Jane brings a deep understanding of the strategic challenges, how to develop and deliver action at the local level and how to engage with people at all levels.