#BeeWell appoints new National Co-Directors to lead national expansion

The new directors, Laura Clayton and Marie-Elise Howells take up their role on 14 September as the programme looks to expand in up to five new areas across England by 2030, thanks to funding of a £5.5 million grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Developed in response to a growing concern for the wellbeing of young people in the UK, the #BeeWell programme listens to young people about their wellbeing, and drives action in response to what they say. Since launching in 2021, #BeeWell has listened to the voices of nearly 200,000 young people across Greater Manchester, and Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, working with over 320 secondary schools, and hundreds of partners across these regions to act on the data and improve young people’s wellbeing.

Leadership for the next phase

Laura and Marie bring a track record from central government and the voluntary sector. They are joining #BeeWell following work as a senior civil service jobshare team at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport where they were co deputy directors for grants, risk, assurance and counter fraud

Laura Clayton brings social research, organisational transition experience, expertise in grant-making and risk management. She led research into wellbeing and engagement at Historic England, supporting its shift to a self-sustaining charity model. She also served as lead trustee for Otakar Kraus Music Trust, helping expand music therapy services for young people with additional needs.

Marie-Elise Howells brings policy and delivery experience across central government, education, and community organisations. At the Department for Education, she led work on special educational needs, school infrastructure, and early years education. At DCMS she led work on community resilience, volunteering, and youth connection, before job sharing with Laura. She has spent two decades as a trustee and governor across local and national education and youth charities.

Laura and Marie said, "We’re beyond thrilled to join #BeeWell at a crucial moment for young people across the country. We've been inspired by the rigour, commitment, passion and collaboration shown by the team and by partners. We can't wait to work alongside staff, partners, and young people - from the Isle of Wight to Rochdale and beyond - to make sure every child gets what they need to thrive in their local area."

They succeed James Robertson, who served as National Director since autumn 2023 and is moving to Japan for family reasons.

James said,"It has been a pleasure and privilege to be #BeeWell’s first National Director and to spearhead its development over the last three years. Thanks to the hard work of all the team and the generous support of The National Lottery Community Fund, #BeeWell is in great shape to expand its reach and its impact in the period ahead under Laura and Marie’s leadership."

David Gregson, #BeeWell Patron said: “Laura and Marie will be outstanding leaders of #BeeWell, building on the tremendous base that James has built. Their experience of both operational delivery and policy making at the highest levels, makes them ideally placed to take #BeeWell’s work to a new level to grow. We are thrilled that they have chosen to join #BeeWell as it enters this next phase.”

To find out more about #BeeWell’s work with schools and partners, please visit: https://beewellprogramme.org/about/about-coalition-of-partners/ and https://beewellprogramme.org/school-case-studies/

Contact #BeeWell comms team on Beewellprogramme@manchester.ac.uk.