The founder of RISE and an award-winning consultant, Matt is currently leading research on the UK’s first place and access study of its kind to look at how to widen participation in the arts. Supported by the Co-op, University of Manchester and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Class Ceiling is an inquiry into working class representation in the arts in Greater Manchester.

Previously an adviser to a former Cabinet Minister, Matt is a senior fellow at the Institute of Place Management in Manchester and works with public and private sector clients to deliver social change.

His work ranges from delivering sensitive engagement with vulnerable stakeholders on the BBC BAFTA-award-winning drama, Three Girls to working with the Cabinet Office’s Behavioural Insights Team to support positive behavioural change during the pandemic and helping deliver an Independent Culture Review into London Fire Brigade.