Introducing our Board Members

news | Words Lizzie Cain | 25 Nov 2024

We are delighted to welcome three inspiring new members to the Innovation Unit Board – Charlotte Augst, Radhika Bynon and Shane Ryan. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in tackling inequalities, bringing innovation to life, and influencing policy. 

Dr Charlotte Augst 

Charlotte’s background is in health, care and research policy making. She advises public sector organisations, charities and industry partners on strategy, influence and their work with people and communities. 

For the last 10 years, she has led work in collaborations and coalitions including the Richmond Group of Charities and National Voices, connecting decision makers with experts by profession or experience. 

Charlotte says: “I have been following Innovation Unit’s work, for example around mental health transformation, for years. I am proud and humbled to be a part of the team who so deeply understand the challenges of leadership through service and system change. I look forward to contributing from my experience of cross sectoral partnerships, centring the experience of people who need and use services, and working with and through communities to tackle the inverse care law. ” 

Read more about Charlotte

Radhika Bynon 

Radhika Bynon is an experienced leader in the social sector, as a community worker, an innovation specialist and funder. Her particular interest is community-led change that centres hope, justice and agency.

Radhika works as an innovation specialist at Impact on Urban Health, taking a systemic approach to reducing health inequalities. She is a trustee at Barrow Cadbury Trust, a board member of the Magpie Project and a board member of Kineara. 

Radhika says: “I wanted to join Innovation Unit to contribute towards affecting the seemingly unstoppable rise in inequality. I am excited by IU’s approach to developing effective, shareable methods for systems change, addressing some of the entrenched challenges sustaining unequal systems. I hope to bring my experience of using innovation as a route to achieving the transformations that are so desperately needed.”

Read more about Radhika

Shane Ryan MBE 

Shane brings extensive national and international expertise in social justice, community engagement and strategic philanthropy. He is dedicated to fostering inclusive, resilient communities and driving positive change. 

Shane is currently a Senior Advisor at The National Lottery Community Fund, where he previously developed the Phoenix Fund to support black and minoritsed communities. His leadership and strategic vision have been recognised with an MBE for services to charity and young people. 

Shane says: “I am delighted to join the Innovation Unit board during this time of huge change, nationally and internationally. Innovative thinking shapes our world and allows us to create the future we want to live in. Innovation Unit has an impressive track record, one we hope to build on over the coming years.”

Read more about Shane

Read More

Interested in working with us to tackle inequalities and transform systems? Get in touch with Sarah Gillinson

Meet the rest of the IU team

Find out more about our impact