Trailblazer: Lorna Carver

As part of our Trailblazers: Women Transforming the Public Sector and Beyond series, we’re continuing to spotlight women whose leadership is shaping places, communities, and public services.

The next feature in the series is Lorna Carver, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Place and Communities at Central Bedfordshire Council. With a career focused on delivering tangible improvements for residents, Lorna reflects on the impact of collaboration, the importance of curiosity in leadership, and the value of diverse voices in shaping better outcomes for communities.

What’s your proudest career achievement so far?
I am proud of making a difference in the places where I have worked.  I have built leisure centres and roads, supported businesses to grow, and improved services for residents.  However, none of this is possible without colleagues and partners - I am most proud of the relationships I have made, and the collaboration this has enabled.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women aspiring to leadership positions? 
Be curious.  Get stuck in, volunteer, and get out of your comfort zone. Try to put yourself in the shoes of the people whose role you want, and think about what they need from you.  Ultimately: be helpful.  

How do you think having more women in senior leadership benefits public services and the communities they serve? 
Having different voices enables better decisions. The best outcomes are discovered using the most diverse input.   

What motivates you most about working in public service? 
I want to make things better for residents than I found them.  The scope of the leadership roles is vast - this is exciting and interesting work, where you can have long term impact.  You can never be bored working in the public sector - there is always more to do. And working with people who will always go above and beyond is very inspiring.

Who’s a woman that’s inspired you in your career – and why? 
Many women have inspired me – I couldn’t possibly stick to just one! A small selection of the many women who have been generous with their time, advice, and knowledge, and have helped me more than they can know in my own journey: Gwen Brennan Barrass, Emma Hunt, Sandra Rothwell, Suzanne Bond, Julia Krause, Naomi Green, Helen Anderson.  I hope to do the same for other women.