Rory Mathews

Senior Policy and Partnerships Officer, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Give us a brief description of your background

After studying Economics at the University of Nottingham, I taught secondary school maths through the Teach First programme. After this two-year graduate scheme, I decided to pivot into the low carbon world having picked up an interest in this whilst studying.  

I worked for four years as an Economic Analyst for a low carbon consultancy, specialising in policy and decarbonisation of homes. I am now working for Greater Manchester Combined Authority as a Senior Policy and Partnerships officer, aiming to transition to city-region to carbon neutrality by 2038.

Who/what inspires you?

Working with other people passionate about tackling climate change inspires me. It is a challenge which will affect us all in some way or another, so to see the collective enthusiasm and energy behind tackling the climate crisis gives me hope for a better future and I find motivation from working as part of this collective effort.

What does the word leadership make you think of?

Leadership to me makes think of someone who is prepared to stand up and be accountable for the actions of their team, providing guidance if needed and empowering others to act.

How do you feel about taking part in the Future Leaders programme?

I feel very lucky to be taking part and to learn alongside so many talented and passionate people. Having this time set aside to focus on this development is a real privilege.

What do you think are the keys to a sustainable future?

I think that behavioural change and backing the positives of a sustainable future will be key. To me it is about embracing the hope of a better future for all alongside the shift to a more sustainable one. I believe that the technological developments we have already seen and will continue to see provide the opportunity for the benefits to be seen across all of society and that this will be key in bringing the transition.