Mike Rees
Senior Associate
Mike joined the Innovation Unit in May 2020 after over 30 years in local government. With a background in corporate policy, strategy and investment Mike has worked across most areas of local government competence but has specialised in regional and sub regional policy, economic development, skills, families, schools and children. This has included stints in the Welsh further education sector, with the Children’s Society and the Wales European Centre in Brussels.
Mike’s final role was at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority where he led its work on the scaling and spreading of children’s social care innovation. Prior to this Mike worked with Wigan Council to support the development of its widely admired ‘Wigan Deal’ approach to public sector reform.
Since joining the Innovation Unit Mike’s work has mainly focused on the development of the Innovation Unit’s policy on ‘place’ and the implementation of that policy work. He has also continued to support innovation in Children’s Services. Mike has also worked/is working on projects for the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner and the city of Doncaster Council.