ALISON DUNN
Alison Dunn is a values-led leader driven by a deep commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion. With over two decades of senior experience spanning public, private, and voluntary sectors, she combines strategic insight with compassion and a strong belief that leadership starts with people.
Throughout her career, Alison has led large-scale transformation across health, housing, and community systems, reshaping culture, improving outcomes, and ensuring inclusion is embedded at every level. Her leadership is rooted in courage, empathy, and collaboration, inspiring others to create lasting change from the ground up.
She has pioneered progressive workplace practices that go beyond policy to create genuine belonging. This includes championing anti-racist leadership, introducing non-binary and family-inclusive policies that reflect the realities of modern life, and strengthening inclusion for autistic and neurodivergent people. Her introduction of the four-day working week within a seven-day organisation proved that wellbeing, equity, and performance can thrive side by side.
Alison is widely respected for her ability to connect policy with real-world impact, bringing together partners across sectors to design solutions that tackle poverty, inequality, and exclusion. She has co-authored regional wellbeing strategies, led system-wide reforms, and built cross-sector coalitions that turn shared purpose into measurable progress.
Beyond her leadership work, Alison is the creator and host of This is the North, a podcast that shines a light on the people, places, and ideas driving positive change across the North of England. Through honest, hopeful conversations, she explores what it truly means to build a fairer and more connected society.
Recognised nationally for her values-based leadership and entrepreneurial approach to social challenges, Alison has received multiple awards for her impact, including recognition as an Inspiring Female Business Leader, Charity Leader of the Year, and Levelling Up Leader.
Grounded, authentic, and people-focused, Alison believes leadership is about service, she sees her role as an enabler for the success of others, creating systems where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive.