Important Facts of the News
- Allison Ogden-Newton OBE and Dan Corry appointed as Non-Executive Directors at Defra.
- Both appointees bring long-standing experience in public policy and social causes.
- Allison heads Keep Britain Tidy since 2015 and led the Great British Spring Clean campaign.
- Dan is Chief Economist at the Future Governance Forum and previously led New Philanthropy Capital.
- The roles were appointed without competition and approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
- Appointments were confirmed by Secretary of State Emma Reynolds MP in September 2025.
- Defra board provides strategic and corporate direction with a focus on performance oversight.
New Faces Strengthen Defra Board with Public Policy Expertise
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has welcomed two new Non-Executive Directors to its board: Allison Ogden-Newton OBE and Dan Corry. The appointments, announced following approval by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, are set to bolster the department’s strategic and corporate leadership framework.
Profiles of the New Appointees
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE
Allison Ogden-Newton has led the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy since 2015, during which time she revitalised the organisation and introduced notable initiatives like the Great British Spring Clean, the country’s largest mass-action environmental programme. She has extensive experience in the charity and social enterprise sectors, having previously held senior roles at World Child Cancer and Social Enterprise London.
An alumna of Warwick Business School and member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Allison has advised on issues of equal value and contributed to various government and non-profit boards. Her services to the environment and social enterprise were recognised with an OBE in the 2019/20 New Year Honours.
Dan Corry
Dan Corry joins the Defra board as Chief Economist at the Future Governance Forum, bringing with him significant experience across government, policy, and the third sector. He served as Chief Executive of New Philanthropy Capital for over a decade and has worked in senior advisory roles, including as Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit from 2007 to 2010.
Dan has also served with several high-level economic advisory panels and charities, including as Chair of the Carers Trust and trustee at St Mungo’s. His early career includes roles across government departments and think tanks, adding a depth of economic analysis and public policy insight to the board.
Strategic Alignment with Departmental Priorities
The new appointments were initially deemed essential by former Secretary of State Rt Hon. Steve Reed MP to enhance the board’s expertise in line with the department’s strategic goals. This move was confirmed by current Secretary of State Emma Reynolds MP after she took office in September 2025. As senior figures from outside government, both appointees are tasked with offering critical perspectives and helping guide Defra’s ambitious reform agenda across its portfolio.