Design Council appoints new Head of Programmes – Sarah Mann

Design Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Mann to a new role as Head of Programmes. Sarah – who will begin her post on 8 July – is currently Director of the Architecture Design Fashion team at the British Council. She has previously worked in senior roles for national organisations including The National Trust and Somerset House.

The Head of Programmes will play a vital role in developing Design Council’s well-established growth and innovation programmes, renowned for improving performance in the social, public and private sectors. Working with the senior management team, Sarah will continue to ensure that design is widely used as a way to address the major economic and societal challenges of our time, specifically in the areas of health and well-being, ageing, housing and place. 

Sarah Weir, Chief Executive of Design Council, said: “We are really pleased to welcome Sarah Mann to Design Council. Our growth and innovation programmes are all about helping organisations focus on what people actually need, rather than what these organisations assume people need. As a result, they can have a transformational impact across public, social and private sectors. With Sarah’s skills and experience, we look forward to building on the success of these programmes.” 

Speaking of her appointment, Sarah said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the Growth and Innovation team at Design Council. There is a pressing need for organisations in all sectors to better meet the needs of the people they serve, and that’s where Design Council’s programmes play a vital role. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to develop this important body of work, as we highlight the fundamental role of design in making life better for everyone.”

For media enquiries, please contact Anstey Burnett, Senior Communications Manager: anstey.burnett@designcouncil.org.uk, 020 7420 5283.