Naomi joined Collaborate in Spring 2021, having worked in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector for 20 years. She has supported and trained many individual groups and communities, and worked on regional and national sector programmes. At Locality, she supported a network of community anchor organisations, delivering training and action research programmes in community assets, enterprise and engagement. Previously, Naomi has also developed innovative environmental sustainability partnership projects for a county council, including a groundbreaking local food programme. Naomi came to Collaborate to build on systems change approaches to social change, bringing her love of facilitation, qualitative research skills and adaptive programme management.

In their own words:

I’m a deeply curious person who loves to learn. I’ve been shaped by the impact of mental illness and addiction on people I’m close to, and by my grandparents’ experience as Jewish refugees from the Nazis. These influences help drive my work for a world that is equitable, just and compassionate. I am most proud of my past work developing community organising programmes for collective action and social change. I’m currently inspired by young people organising for justice in Leicester. At Collaborate, I’ve enjoyed getting to grips with Human Learning Systems and loved working with Merton Borough Council, helping them to develop a holistic, systems approach to working better with communities.

Naomi Diamond Projects