The Nuffield Foundation has appointed Deborah Cadman OBE to its Board of Trustees. Deborah brings considerable experience from a 30‑year career in senior leadership roles across local government, public policy, and national regulatory bodies.
Her appointment supports the Foundation’s work to deliver its new strategy, which is responding to the challenges affecting people’s lives including inequality, economic insecurity, and growing pressures on public services.
Deborah holds a degree in social administration and politics from Loughborough University, a master’s degree in economics and a further master’s degree in management practice, and honorary doctorates from Loughborough and Aston universities.
Her career includes Chief Executive roles for Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, St Edmundsbury Borough Council, East Suffolk Council, the East of England Regional Development Agency, and Suffolk County Council.
Previously Deborah was Local Government Adviser at the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, Head of Policy at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, and the Audit Commission’s Best Value Service Lead Inspector for the London region.
She is a Fellow of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University, a Trustee of Centre for Cities, a Non-Executive Director for public sector consultancy Newtrality, and a member of the Foundation’s Racial Diversity UK Steering Group.
Deborah received her OBE in 2006 for services to local government.
The Foundation’s Trustees are Professor Keith Burnett (Chair), Professor Ash Amin, Professor Brian Bell, Professor Lorraine Dearden, Professor Ann Phoenix, John Pullinger, and Dame Clare Tickell.
I am joining the Nuffield Foundation as a Trustee to strengthen its influence on social justice and evidence led policy. Drawing on a career leading complex local government systems, I bring strategic clarity, practical insight and a strong focus on equity, ensuring decisions are shaped by lived experience and lead to better outcomes for communities.Deborah Cadman, newly appointed Trustee
Deborah brings a valuable combination of deep commitment to[CF2.1] expanding opportunity and well-being alongside extensive, grounded experience in the planning and delivery of the services which make a difference to people’s lives. She understands what it takes to turn values into practical change in real places. Her insight, warmth and leadership will make a valuable addition to our mix of trustees as we continue our work to improve lives and strengthen communities across the UK.Professor Sir Keith Burnett, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Nuffield Foundation
Deborah will bring first-hand knowledge and insight on some of the key challenges facing communities across the country – from inadequate housing, to rising demands on social care and accelerating demographic change. I’m delighted she is joining our board and know that her experience and commitment will bolster our efforts to ensure sound evidence is harnessed to help bring about a prosperous, fair, and inclusive society.Gavin Kelly, Chief Executive of the Nuffield Foundation
