Exciting appointments further strengthen Board of Trustees
Harriet Fear, Chair of Cambridge Science Centre’s Board of Trustees, explains that the appointments of Mike Rigby and Richard Edge followed a highly intentional process, including a review of the Board’s skill sets last year:
“As Cambridge Science Centre grows in both scale and ambition, it is essential that our Board evolves alongside the organisation. Mike and Richard each bring exceptional experience in areas that are increasingly important to our future. Both appointments were made very deliberately to complement the skills already around our Board table, and I am delighted to welcome them to Cambridge Science Centre.”
We are delighted to welcome Mike and Richard
Mike Rigby is a regional strategist, communications specialist and founder of Eastern Promise podcast, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that connects leaders from business, academia, local government and more across the East of England through live events and its popular podcast. He previously spent more than 15 years advising an East of England MP on public policy, stakeholder engagement and parliamentary affairs, while also building strategic partnerships across the region..
He comments: “A key theme throughout my career has been bringing people and organisations together across the East of England to address shared challenges and create new opportunities. Cambridge Science Centre is doing exactly that through STEM engagement – connecting schools, industry, universities, and communities to inspire the next generation. As Cambridge Science Centre continues to grow, I look forward to helping strengthen its regional partnerships, broaden its influence and ensure even more young people benefit from the outstanding work of its team.”
Richard Edge joins the Board with more than two decades of experience in organisational transformation, executive leadership, workforce strategy and career development. He has advised organisations across the UK and internationally, held senior leadership roles within the NHS and Qatar’s healthcare system, and now leads an international executive advisory practice specialising in leadership development, executive career progression and the future of work.
He is particularly passionate about widening access to opportunity and helping people from all backgrounds fulfil their potential.
He explains: “Throughout my career, I have seen how access to the right opportunities, encouragement and experiences can transform someone’s future. Cambridge Science Centre has an ambitious vision for the future, and I’m delighted to be joining the Board. I look forward to helping the organisation grow in a way that is innovative, resilient and sustainable, while remaining true to its mission of inspiring more young people through STEM.”
Strategic leadership to drive regional impact and organisational growth
These appointments represent the second phase of a planned Board renewal process, ensuring the Charity has a diverse, strategically balanced Board with the skills and experience to support continued growth.
Together with our existing Board members, they will:
- strengthen connections with national Government, influencing policy and connecting organisations across the East of England and beyond
- bring extensive expertise in organisational development, leadership, and workforce strategy to attract and support outstanding people
- ensure the organisation grows in a way that is innovative, resilient, and sustainable
- provide the governance, regional collaboration, and stakeholder engagement needed to achieve the ambitions set out in our five-year strategy
A final word from our CEO
Rebecca Porter concludes:
“Cambridge Science Centre’s next phase of growth will be built on collaboration. As we expand our programmes, deepen our relationships with industry, academia and government, and extend our reach across the East of England, having the right expertise around our Board table has never been more important.
Mike’s experience building regional partnerships and Richard’s expertise in workforce strategy come at exactly the right time as we continue to build the Charity’s capability and invest in our people. Together with the appointments of Jimmy Doherty, Tamara Sword and Ayeisha Kone-Massouma earlier this year, they strengthen an already exceptional Board, and I look forward to working with them as we deliver the next chapter of Cambridge Science Centre’s journey.”
