Meet Malcolm - our new CEO

Hi Malcolm, welcome to CPRE London. What drew you to the role?

I’ve always been interested in the natural environment and I have been directly involved in green space in various ways for three decades. I strongly believe that green space across the planet, and especially in major cities like London, has never been more important. The chance to support a talented, passionate and committed team of trustees, colleagues and volunteers was too good to miss.

What experience are you bringing with you? What are your previous roles?

I’ve had a varied career working in IT, looking after farms, gardens, woodlands and landscapes, leading a further education college dedicated to the natural environment, and most recently leading a youth work charity helping young people between the ages of nine and 25 with their wellbeing, education and employment.

Tell us about your connection to London and its green spaces.

As the Principal/CEO of Capel Manor College, I felt I was contributing to London and its green spaces in two ways. We were training and educating around 3,000 students each year, both adults and school leavers. They were gaining skills in working with trees, woodlands, parks, sports grounds, food production, animals and wildlife, plus the chance of a really rewarding career. London was getting a motivated workforce committed to, and passionate about, caring for its green spaces. Secondly, the college managed its own parkland, farms and zoos in seven locations across London.

What are you most looking forward to as CEO of CPRE London?

I’m looking forward to supporting colleagues, volunteers, trustees and our members. Everyone associated with CPRE London is connected by their interest in London and its green space, so we share common aims. That sense of working together for outcomes that are so important for present and future generations of Londoners is a great feeling.

What do you think are the biggest challenges the charity faces in its mission to create a greener city?

I am only just beginning to understand CPRE London and the mission but it is obvious that London is a huge city with very complicated issues. Becoming a healthy city as well as a prosperous city is vital to ensure it remains a great place to live as well as work, and London maintains its foremost position in the world. I do not underestimate the scale of the challenge ahead, especially for a relatively small charity, but I also recognise the power of good people with a shared passion doing great things for the natural environment in London.

What are your goals for CPRE London?

We have a strategy and we need to come together to drive forward on all fronts to collectively deliver real outcomes and a positive impact for London and Londoners. I think we need to keep alert to the changing dynamics and make sure we continue to deliver what London needs.

What’s your vision for London and its green spaces?

I would like to see London’s green space truly valued at all levels in society. It is vital that we continue to help London sustain a well-planned, high-quality network of green and blue spaces centred around the needs of individuals, communities and the city as a whole.

If you could do just one thing in your time here, what would it be?

Make a difference! CPRE London has already made many important impacts on London’s green spaces, and long may that continue.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like activity in my personal life so I try to do lots of different things. For me this means running, (wild) swimming, tennis and pickleball or doing and appreciating ‘art’ – especially modern art – classical music and theatre. I enjoy nature through walks and gardening and trying to learn something – especially history and politics. Most recently, I have been taken on (well actually press-ganged) as an apprentice bellringer.