Matt Little to join Trust as new CEO
Barnwood Trust is pleased to welcome Matt Little as its new Chief Executive Officer – a values-driven and innovative leader of social change.
Matt Little, Barnwood Trust’s new CEO
Matt Little joins Barnwood Trust as CEO following a varied and successful career as a leader in community regeneration and social change. Speaking about this appointment for the Trust, Chair of Trustees, Colin Smith said:
“We are pleased to confirm the appointment of Matt Little as the new CEO to the Trust. Matt is a values-driven and innovative strategic leader who brings a wealth of experience in making lasting beneficial change happen for and with communities, including where people face greater inequalities and challenge. Matt has set up, grown and supported projects, programmes and organisations with exceptional leadership, development and relationship-building skills. As a Board, we are delighted and excited to work with Matt in this next phase of Barnwood’s journey.“
Matt Little is currently Head of Impact and a founding director of the Real Ideas Organisation, a south west social enterprise focused on young people, regeneration, creativity, culture and social change. Matt has particular expertise in impact and insight, including the development and delivery of research and evaluation that leads to meaningful change on the ground.
Matt brings with him a longstanding commitment to community, health, education and wellbeing, and a track record working in partnership to tackle social issues, and to enable talent, potential and creativity to grow. He has helped set up a number of innovative grassroots community and creative organisations over the years, including Contains Art CIO (art and culture) and WeCanMake CIC (housing).
Previously, Matt was Director of Creative Partnerships for Arts Council England, covering Bristol and the Forest of Dean. In this role, Matt worked in collaboration with diverse community and educational partners. The programme delivered creative opportunities for children and young people in mainstream and SEN settings. In recent years, as Chair of the board of directors of Create Gloucestershire, Matt’s connection to the county has deepened further.
In his career, Matt has also led regeneration projects, involving young people directly in the development and delivery of that work – resulting in long-term benefits in health, education, employment and community inclusion.
Matt Little, who will start his role as Chief Executive in August, said:
“I have great respect for Barnwood Trust and its vital work with disabled people and people with mental health conditions, as well as the communities and organisations focused on change linked to rights, opportunity and inclusion. I am happy, excited and appreciative to be taking up the CEO role. It brings together many different aspects of my work and life. These are challenging times and, with the Barnwood team, I want to help make more difference and contribute to positive change in Gloucestershire in relation to issues that are close to my heart: equity, care for each other, inclusion, well-being, diversity, understanding, community and potential.“
Sally Byng OBE leaves her role as Chief Executive of Barnwood Trust in July 2025, after 17 years. Read more here: https://www.barnwoodtrust.org/news/sally-byng-ceo/