Jenni French

Jenni French is a respected public sector leader with over two decades of experience driving system-wide transformation across local government, health, housing, and sustainability. She is currently the Interim Head of Reform and Inclusion at the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), where she leads the Authority’s strategic reform and inclusion agenda, shaping cross-cutting policy and embedding inclusive, community-led approaches across the region. Her work is central to advancing public sector reform, supporting Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), and aligning regional priorities with integrated health and social outcomes.

Previously, Jenni served as EMCCA’s Interim Consultant for Homelessness and Health, where she managed the £3 million Mayoral Community Development Fund and delivered key mayoral manifesto commitments. She established a regional Homelessness Taskforce, embedded prevention into policy, and secured regional consensus on EMCCA’s public health responsibilities—laying the groundwork for integrated health models and inclusive growth.

At the Local Government Association (LGA), Jenni was the national Programme Manager for Devolution and Levelling Up, where she supported the creation of three new combined authorities and led sector-led improvement across the devolution landscape. She managed six national officer networks, advised on complex political transitions, and co-authored the LGA’s White Paper and “100 Asks of Government,” influencing national policy and strengthening local governance.

During her tenure as Commissioning Manager for Housing and Supported Accommodation at Nottinghamshire County Council, Jenni led the Housing with Care and Support Team, overseeing a £50 million care budget and delivering innovative housing solutions for over 2,000 vulnerable residents. She unified fragmented services, delivered significant savings, and spearheaded the county’s COVID-19 emergency housing response, providing shelter for 1,500+ individuals within 72 hours.

Earlier in her career at Ashfield District Council, Jenni held senior roles in sustainability, housing, and resilience. She secured over £5 million in funding for energy efficiency and housing improvements, retrofitting 500+ homes and reducing fuel poverty. She also led the Council’s health and safety, emergency planning, and business continuity functions, embedding a culture of compliance and resilience post-Grenfell.

Jenni began her career at Nottingham City Council, where she developed the city’s Nature Conservation Strategy and led the award-winning ‘Breathing Spaces’ initiative, delivering seven new Local Nature Reserves and shaping long-term green infrastructure policy.

A trusted advisor and architect of change, Jenni is known for her strategic clarity, inclusive leadership, and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for communities. Her work continues to shape the future of public service delivery across the East Midlands and beyond.