Ed Poulter
Rural Policy Officer
I joined Involve Yorkshire & Humber in October 2011. My work involves helping small rural groups become more aware of current policy issues and ensuring that they are able to contribute their points of view at the right time and in the right place. I gather groups’ opinions on things that matter to them in order to pass them to our contacts in the region and in Whitehall. I am also Yorkshire and Humber Regional Coordinator for ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England).
Originally from London I was drawn to Yorkshire through studying for Geography at Leeds University which included a work placement year with the Research Team of the Regional Development Agency, Yorkshire Forward.
After completing my degree in 2006, I was Futures Executive at the Regional Intelligence Network, Yorkshire Futures. I maintained and developed a Futures Programme to influence long-term thinking among policy makers in the region.
In 2009 I was appointed Rural Policy and Communications Co-ordinator with Yorkshire Forward’s Rural Team where my role was to support the implementation and delivery of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). I worked with rural businesses to improve their economic performance and with rural communities to help improve their local area through support from the RDPE LEADER programme.
I volunteer for the Upper Wharfedale Fell rescue Association (UWFRA) in the Yorkshire Dales. I also double up as a Leader for the UWFRA Outdoor Club which encourages youngsters to develop themselves through outdoor adventure activities.
