Lord David Blunkett - Chair

David Blunkett is Professor of Politics in Practice in the Department of Politics at The University of Sheffield and Chair of the Board of the Crick Centre.

Professor Blunkett first joined the University as a mature student in 1969, where he studied Political Theory and Institutions, and was tutored by Sir Bernard Crick.  He served as the Member of Parliament for Sheffield Brightside between 1987 and May 2010, and then as the Member of Parliament for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough between May 2010 and May 2015.  During this time Professor Blunkett held a number of Cabinet positions, including Secretary of State for Education and Employment, Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

Professor Blunkett received a peerage in the 2015 Dissolution Honours List, and joined the House of Lords in September 2015. 

Neill Birchenall - Vice-Chair

Neill is a Founding Director and Member of Sheffield Digital. Think ‘Stuff Magazine’ with a beard and an American accent. Neill really loves technology, particularly useful technology.  

Starting as a 1-on-1 consultancy service, he is now doing what he enjoys most and delivers best - understanding clients’ IT problems and then asking technicians to solve them.

Working together to build a Sheffield that works for everyone

Statement of Purpose

The City Partnership is committed to effective collaboration, aiming to ensure that the key organisations and leaders in Sheffield are working together to build effective and inclusive solutions to the challenges facing the city, share responsibility, and ensure that Sheffield is fully grasping all opportunities.  The City Partnership will foster a culture of optimism and trust, building on what is already happening and achievements within Sheffield and the talent of local people and organisations.

Laura White - Partnership Manager

Laura’s role is to support and co-ordinate the work of the Sheffield City Partnership. Previously Laura has been in policy and partnership roles in Sheffield City Council and Essex County Council. She has also done policy and research work for the Social Enterprise Coalition (now Social Enterprise UK) and the local government think tank Localis. Laura has a PhD in Politics from the University of Sheffield, where her research and teaching focused on Global Political Economy.

If you’d like to discuss or learn more about the Sheffield City Partnership Board, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Laura at sheffieldcitypartnership@sheffield.gov.uk

Kay Kirk - Partnership Coordinator

Kay has worked with and supported Sheffield City Partnership Board (formerly Sheffield Executive Board) since September 2012. Kay also works closely with the Health & Wellbeing Board and the Public Health Team.  She plans and co-ordinates all of Board's meetings and events.

Prior to this her background was in Social Care spending 3 years as a PA before becoming a Business Support Manager in front-line services for 5½ years.