National Centre for Social Research appoints four new Trustees

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) has strengthened its Board with the appointment of four new Trustees who will support the organisation in the delivery of its strategic plans and development. 

James Brooks (Kantar), Professor Alison Park (ESRC), Professor Ian Rivers (University of Strathclyde) and Nina Skero (Cebr), will take up their roles on NatCen’s Board of Trustees in November 2025. NatCen’s Board of Trustees is chaired by Sir Stuart Etherington who was appointed in 2021. The Chief Executive is Michael Davis who has been in post since 2024. 

In their role as Trustee, these individuals will work collaboratively with the Board to support the strategic direction of NatCen, leading transformational change as the organisation continues to grow. 

Sir Stuart Etherington, Chair of NatCen’s Board of Trustees, said: “NatCen’s Board of Trustees provide guidance to ensure the organisation achieves its vision for growth, whilst meeting its charitable objectives, and delivering the high-quality social research it is known and respected for. As the challenges facing society grow ever more complex, NatCen’s work is more important than ever. I am very pleased to welcome James, Alison, Ian and Nina to our Board. All bring excellent expertise and strategic value to the governance of the organisation, and their experience and leadership in research will be invaluable as we continue delivering on our ambitious strategy."

James Brooks, Chief Operations Officer at Kantar, said: “I am delighted to be joining the Board of Trustees at NatCen. I have long been an admirer of their commitment to independent, evidence-based research and methodological innovation, values that, in my view, are increasing in importance. I am excited to be working with the talented team as they continue to deliver impactful insights that help shape public understanding.”  

Professor Alison Park, Deputy Executive Chair of ESRC, said: “I'm delighted to be joining the NatCen Trustees. My research career benefited considerably from the time I spent at NatCen, and I am looking forward to returning that favour by working with my fellow Trustees to give the support and constructive challenge NatCen needs to continue its tradition of impactful and high-quality research.”  

Professor Ian Rivers, Associate Principal at the University of Strathclyde, said: “I am delighted to be able to support NatCen, Britain’s leading independent social research charity, renowned for rigorous surveys and policy insight. NatCen gives voice to real people and ensures decision makers base their choices on high quality, independent evidence. I’m proud to play a role in advancing its vital work for society. I very much look forward to working with my fellow Trustees and the teams at NatCen and ScotCen in the coming years.”

Nina Skero, Chief Executive of the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Board of Trustees at NatCen. The organisation’s commitment to producing impactful research that informs better decisions at every level of society aligns strongly with my own professional values. I look forward to contributing to NatCen’s strategic direction and supporting its continued impact in the years ahead.”