Our Boards

I have over 35 years’ experience of working to deliver low carbon energy solutions. I am currently a Director of Energiesprong UK, a not-for-profit organisation driving the innovation in products and financing needed to significantly increase the scale of zero carbon retrofitting of existing homes. 

I am also a Director of the Energiesprong Global Alliance, a Dutch registered Foundation that aims to share building retrofit learning between countries and drive cross border innovation and supply chains. 

I have previously worked with Energy Saving Trust, Devon County Council and architects. I have won two Ashden Awards for sustainable energy innovation.

I was a Director of PEC Community Benefit Society from 2016, Chair from 2017, and I have Chaired the PEC Trust Board since 2019.

Jake is a renewable energy professional with 20 years’ experience covering: project development, finance, procurement, company and asset management and providing strategic advice. 

In 2012 he set up Communities for Renewables CIC (CfR), a not for profit which helps communities generate their own energy. He has overseen CfR’s organic growth and the development and finance over £70million of community solar projects. 

Jake is a volunteer director of a number of the local energy enterprises CfR has helped to set up. He was awarded the ‘Community Energy Champion’ award by Community Energy England in 2018.

John Bailey has worked in sustainability in various universities across the UK for 15 years, including as Director of Estates & Sustainability at Plymouth Marjon University. He now works for Turner & Townsend as a sustainability consultant, mainly focused on helping large public sector organisations decarbonise their estates.

John lives on Dartmoor just north of Plymouth. He is currently undertaking a retrofit of his own home and enjoys trail running, tennis and DJing in his spare time.

Josh McCarty is a marine conservationist committed to protecting ocean ecosystems and supporting coastal communities. With the Blue Marine Foundation, he advised the City of Plymouth on creating the UK’s first National Marine Park, setting a groundbreaking model for marine protection. 

At Ocean OS, Josh and the team harness artificial intelligence to interrogate complex marine datasets, generating actionable insights for conservation and policy.

Passionate about sustainable fisheries, he collaborates with the Lyme Bay Fisherman’s CIC, where he directed and produced The Last Custodians, an acclaimed documentary championing the UK’s low-impact inshore fishing fleet.

Josh has advised Lewis Pugh, UN Patron of the Oceans, shaping messaging and strategy for high-profile climate campaigns such as COP. 

Beyond conservation, he serves as a Labour councillor on Plymouth City Council, sitting on Planning, Growth Scrutiny, Port Liaison, and IFCA, while acting as the city’s Active Health and Wellbeing Champion.

Kieran is a specialist energy lawyer who supports clients across the renewable energy industry, from funds and developers through to community groups. 

He has been a director and trustee of PEC Trust and PEC Renewables since 2019, and also sits on the board of Tamar Energy Community. He brings his legal knowledge and experience to these roles, but also wider insight into the energy sector and the constantly evolving regulatory picture for the development, ownership and operation of energy projects. 

Kieran is a passionate supporter of locally owned energy solutions and energy advice, believing them to be a key part of the transition to a net-zero future and the fight against climate change. 

Michelle studied climate change at university, and has worked in the co-operative, community business and social enterprise sector for many years. 

She was a founder member and long term director of Plymouth Social Enterprise Network, and is on the steering group of the Net Zero Exchange at the Sustainable Earth Institute of the University of Plymouth. She has a particular interest in cooperatives and deliberative, democratic and empowering approaches to socioeconomic change. 

When not working on PEC governance, Michelle is an active contributor to Tregovenek, a regenerative community space which is learning to work sociocratically, and is People and Operations Manager for the Cooperative AI Foundation, a charity which supports research to improve the cooperative intelligence of advanced AI.

Mohammed is a geoscientist and an entrepreneur who has vast experience of teaching, research and working on renewable energy projects and climate change.

He is the founder of FAMAS Geosolutions, where he manages the daily activities in FAMAS. He is passionate about sustainable energy resources exploration, development, installation and distribution at the local community and globally. 

Mohammed is interested in athletics, badminton, gardening and hiking.   

Owen has been Chief Executive of the Plymouth Athenaeum since 2018 following a 20-year career in the newspaper industry. He manages the Athenaeum building and its core charitable activities through the Plymouth Institution, which has been inspiring learning in the arts and sciences for more than 200 years.

A former chair of the PlymLit literary festival, he has a Master’s in Business Administration from Wrexham University, a BA (Hons) in Modern History and International Relations from the University of Reading and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

Passionate about tackling the climate emergency and fuel poverty, he has a great interest in natural history and is a Fellow of the Linnean Society and the Zoological Society.

Paul is currently the Manager of the Sustainable Earth Institute (SEI) and Director of the Net-Zero Exchange project at the University of Plymouth, which brings researchers together with businesses, public sector, NGOs, community groups and individuals to spark ideas and encourage collaborations to tackle global and local challenges around Sustainability.  

He also chairs the action group for the Plymouth Net-Zero Partnership, which includes various organisations across the city working together to support the transition to net-zero. 

He has been a member of PEC and PEC Renewables since their early days and through his role at the SEI has thoroughly enjoyed participating in, and supporting some fantastic initiatives, connecting SEI's work and research with the realities in the community.  

He is certain that PEC's role in supporting a just transition to a net-zero carbon city, fit for future generations, will be ever more vital and welcomes the opportunity to contribute.

Tracy Ebbrell is a Director (Consultant) at PEC Trust, who also sits on PEC Renewables board. Tracy has been delighted to be involved with PEC since November 2020. 

Tracy has an extensive 30-year career background in the environmental and charitable sector. 

Tracy’s contributions to PEC align with the organisations mission to create a fair, affordable, zero carbon energy system with local people at its heart. 

Zoe is currently the Community Empowerment Lead at Plymouth City Council and has over 15 years’ experience working in the city leading various community and environmental programmes with a particular focus on social and environmental justice.

She has been involved with PEC since 2019 and believes their work is a great example of how community led initiatives at a neighbourhood level can deliver a sustainable future for everyone. 

Working with PEC is an extension of the work she's involved in within Public Health to address health inequalities across the city, including fuel poverty. She adds value to PEC's work through developing stronger partnerships with the health sector, integrating projects within neighbourhood wellbeing hubs and linking with local asset based community development initiatives.

Amy trained as a solicitor with a national law firm, prior to qualifying as an employment solicitor and practising with a Tier 1 specialist employment law firm.  

Amy’s legal training has given her a deep understanding of employment law, which guides her strategic approach.  Amy transitioned into human resources in 2020, in a higher education context.  

Amy relishes the opportunity to work with purpose and values-driven organisations, building and sustaining positive workplace cultures.  Amy is an advocate for investing in people, their learning and career development, in turn, building capability for organisations.  

Amy grew up in Plymouth and has returned to raise her own family within the city.  Plymouth and its community are hugely important to Amy and the work of Plymouth Energy Community, to empower the local community to shape and benefit from energy solutions that support people and the planet, very much resonates with her.  Amy enjoys being part of the Plymouth Energy Community, as a Board member of PEC Management Services, ensuring that the organisation’s people practices best support and enable its people to achieve its strategic aims.

Claire has over 20 years’ experience working in the public sector. Originally a librarian by trade, she has built a broad and varied career in Higher Education spanning customer-facing services, libraries, skills development, organisational development, HR, and general operations.

She is currently Director of People & Operations at Plymouth Marjon University, where she has strategic oversight of people and HR, academic support, reception services, and central business operations. Claire holds qualifications in information management, coaching and mentoring, and strategic leadership, as well as an MBA from Exeter University; she is a Chartered Fellow of the CMI.

Claire is motivated by working with values-driven organisations that are committed to making a positive difference for people and communities. When the opportunity arose to join the Board of PEC Management Services in 2025, this was an easy decision to make, enabling her to support the important work that PEC is undertaking across the city to empower people to make informed and sustainable decisions with a positive impact on themselves, their family, the community and the environment. 

I have over 35 years’ experience of working to deliver low carbon energy solutions. I am currently a Director of Energiesprong UK, a not-for-profit organisation driving the innovation in products and financing needed to significantly increase the scale of zero carbon retrofitting of existing homes. 

I am also a Director of the Energiesprong Global Alliance, a Dutch registered Foundation that aims to share building retrofit learning between countries and drive cross border innovation and supply chains. 

I have previously worked with Energy Saving Trust, Devon County Council and architects. I have won two Ashden Awards for sustainable energy innovation.

I was a Director of PEC Community Benefit Society from 2016, Chair from 2017, and I have Chaired the PEC Trust Board since 2019.

Jess has been working in the impact driven sector for over a decade supporting organisations to develop the systems and processes that enable them to have maximum impact while looking after their teams. 

As a consultant, coach and facilitator, she helps the helpers who are creating systemic change - supporting leaders with their decision making, developing teams, developing organisational stability, and facilitating coming together events for communities who want to create meaningful change. 

The natural world is a big part of her personal life and living in Plymouth she gets outside whenever she can. 

All of which means that the work Plymouth Energy Community do is close to her heart as it is all about protecting the natural world, creating systemic change, and forging connections that enable people to live happy, healthy, and sustainable lives. 

She's been a part of the PEC Trust board since 2019 and now sits on the PEC Management Services board, helping shape and secure the systems which protect the people making that change.

Owen has been Chief Executive of the Plymouth Athenaeum since 2018 following a 20-year career in the newspaper industry. He manages the Athenaeum building and its core charitable activities through the Plymouth Institution, which has been inspiring learning in the arts and sciences for more than 200 years.

A former chair of the PlymLit literary festival, he has a Master’s in Business Administration from Wrexham University, a BA (Hons) in Modern History and International Relations from the University of Reading and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

Passionate about tackling the climate emergency and fuel poverty, he has a great interest in natural history and is a Fellow of the Linnean Society and the Zoological Society.

Chris is a long-standing advocate for social justice and community-led change. Born in Plymouth, Chris has deep roots in the local community and a strong commitment to making Plymouth a fairer and more sustainable place for everyone.

Currently serving as a Labour and Co-operative councillor for St Peter and the Waterfront, Chris holds the role of Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities at Plymouth City Council. 

A passionate believer in the power of people working together, Chris has played a key role in initiatives that give communities greater control over local assets, energy generation, and economic futures. His leadership reflects a vision of Plymouth where everyone can thrive—socially, economically, and environmentally.

Chris has spent much of his career working with charities and social enterprises, for the last 14 years he has focussed his time on his role as a Councillor and as a volunteer with a number of local organisations. He brings this experience and ethos to his involvement with Plymouth Energy Community, where he is a founding member and supports their efforts to democratise energy, tackle fuel poverty, and promote sustainability across the city.

When he’s not working and volunteering Chris enjoys spending time with friends at the theatre, in galleries and attending local events; he also enjoys relaxing at home building Lego sets. He’s proud to call Plymouth home and never misses a chance to show off the city’s history, beauty, spirit and resilience.

Lee is a Senior Manager at the University of Plymouth. He has previously worked as Regen’s onshore renewables programme manager and has led and managed work within the large-scale onshore and offshore renewables, micro-generation and built environment sectors. 

He has over 20 years’ experience in the renewables industry and has developed the capabilities of businesses and communities to deploy more renewable and energy efficiency technologies. He has extensive knowledge of sustainable energy and low carbon policy, legislation, supply chain and technical development and deployment. 

Lee helped to develop and manage the EU £6.3m Ready for Retrofit programme and subsequently the £16.5m Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub projects, one of the UK’s largest European Regional Development Fund business support programmes and the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Programmes respectively, installing over 1700 domestic energy efficiency technologies and attracting over £130m of additional match funding for Offshore Renewable Energy research. 

Lee is from Plymouth and is a keen advocate of developing the low carbon economy he wants the city to lead in community led renewable energy initiatives. Lee was co-opted to the PEC Renewables Board in 2015 and was voted on to the PEC CBS Board in 2017. He later became an elected member on the PEC Renewables Board in 2021 when he also assumed the role of Chairperson. He is also the Chair of Ernesettle Community Solar Ltd and sits on the Chelson Meadow Community Solar Board (a Joint Venture with Plymouth City Council).

Michelle studied climate change at university, and has worked in the co-operative, community business and social enterprise sector for many years. 

She was a founder member and long term director of Plymouth Social Enterprise Network, and is on the steering group of the Net Zero Exchange at the Sustainable Earth Institute of the University of Plymouth. She has a particular interest in cooperatives and deliberative, democratic and empowering approaches to socioeconomic change. 

When not working on PEC governance, Michelle is an active contributor to Tregovenek, a regenerative community space which is learning to work sociocratically, and is People and Operations Manager for the Cooperative AI Foundation, a charity which supports research to improve the cooperative intelligence of advanced AI.

Chris is a long-standing advocate for social justice and community-led change. Born in Plymouth, Chris has deep roots in the local community and a strong commitment to making Plymouth a fairer and more sustainable place for everyone.

Currently serving as a Labour and Co-operative councillor for St Peter and the Waterfront, Chris holds the role of Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities at Plymouth City Council. 

A passionate believer in the power of people working together, Chris has played a key role in initiatives that give communities greater control over local assets, energy generation, and economic futures. His leadership reflects a vision of Plymouth where everyone can thrive—socially, economically, and environmentally.

Chris has spent much of his career working with charities and social enterprises, for the last 14 years he has focussed his time on his role as a Councillor and as a volunteer with a number of local organisations. He brings this experience and ethos to his involvement with Plymouth Energy Community, where he is a founding member and supports their efforts to democratise energy, tackle fuel poverty, and promote sustainability across the city.

When he’s not working and volunteering Chris enjoys spending time with friends at the theatre, in galleries and attending local events; he also enjoys relaxing at home building Lego sets. He’s proud to call Plymouth home and never misses a chance to show off the city’s history, beauty, spirit and resilience.

David retired from HSBC Bank plc in 2014 after a career of over 40 years in banking. He has worked in locations throughout Devon and Cornwall and in his final role was a Relationship Manager based in the Commercial Centre in Plymouth. His responsibilities included the management of a portfolio of businesses with an annual sales turnover of up to £30 million. 

David first joined the Governing Body of Ivybridge Community College in 2004 and then became a founding member of the Ivybridge Academy Trust. Following the growth of the Trust into Westcountry Schools Trust he stepped down from the board but has remained a member. 

David has been a director of PEC Renewables Ltd and Ernesettle Community Solar Limited since 2015.

Kieran is a specialist energy lawyer who supports clients across the renewable energy industry, from funds and developers through to community groups. 

He has been a director and trustee of PEC Trust and PEC Renewables since 2019, and also sits on the board of Tamar Energy Community. He brings his legal knowledge and experience to these roles, but also wider insight into the energy sector and the constantly evolving regulatory picture for the development, ownership and operation of energy projects. 

Kieran is a passionate supporter of locally owned energy solutions and energy advice, believing them to be a key part of the transition to a net-zero future and the fight against climate change. 

Lee is a Senior Manager at the University of Plymouth. He has previously worked as Regen’s onshore renewables programme manager and has led and managed work within the large-scale onshore and offshore renewables, micro-generation and built environment sectors. 

He has over 20 years’ experience in the renewables industry and has developed the capabilities of businesses and communities to deploy more renewable and energy efficiency technologies. He has extensive knowledge of sustainable energy and low carbon policy, legislation, supply chain and technical development and deployment. 

Lee helped to develop and manage the EU £6.3m Ready for Retrofit programme and subsequently the £16.5m Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub projects, one of the UK’s largest European Regional Development Fund business support programmes and the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Programmes respectively, installing over 1700 domestic energy efficiency technologies and attracting over £130m of additional match funding for Offshore Renewable Energy research. 

Lee is from Plymouth and is a keen advocate of developing the low carbon economy he wants the city to lead in community led renewable energy initiatives. Lee was co-opted to the PEC Renewables Board in 2015 and was voted on to the PEC CBS Board in 2017. He later became an elected member on the PEC Renewables Board in 2021 when he also assumed the role of Chairperson. He is also the Chair of Ernesettle Community Solar Ltd and sits on the Chelson Meadow Community Solar Board (a Joint Venture with Plymouth City Council).

Simon is a time-tested power developer and prolific public speaker on sustainability, energy and entrepreneurial ventures. He lectures at Kings College London’s prestigious Entrepreneurial Institute and speaks globally to governments and private sector alike.

He is also the co-founder and Chairman of Devon Environment Foundation, part of Ben Goldsmith’s Conservation Collective group of charities which promote and implement nature restoration projects around the world.

With a proven track record of delivering projects in the UK, Middle East and West Africa, Simon has delivered over 3GW of projects over the past 25 years.

As CEO of the Olympus Power group of companies, Simon is now leading a nationwide group of power development and business services companies implementing a diverse portfolio of business lines.

Tom joined the board of PEC Renewables in November 2025, cultivating a strong link with Plymouth Community Homes where he is the Chief Financial Accountant. 

Born in Plymouth and now raising his own family here, Tom is keenly involved in various community outreaches including food poverty and youth work.

Professionally, Tom is a chartered accountant with significant experience in auditing financial accounts, project appraising and setting of internal controls. Tom is encouraged by the work of PEC Renewables and eager to contribute his analytical and financial expertise to the range of community benefit projects that PEC delivers.

Tracy Ebbrell is a Director (Consultant) at PEC Trust, who also sits on PEC Renewables board. Tracy has been delighted to be involved with PEC since November 2020. 

Tracy has an extensive 30-year career background in the environmental and charitable sector. 

Tracy’s contributions to PEC align with the organisations mission to create a fair, affordable, zero carbon energy system with local people at its heart. 

Chris is a long-standing advocate for social justice and community-led change. Born in Plymouth, Chris has deep roots in the local community and a strong commitment to making Plymouth a fairer and more sustainable place for everyone.

Currently serving as a Labour and Co-operative councillor for St Peter and the Waterfront, Chris holds the role of Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities at Plymouth City Council. 

A passionate believer in the power of people working together, Chris has played a key role in initiatives that give communities greater control over local assets, energy generation, and economic futures. His leadership reflects a vision of Plymouth where everyone can thrive—socially, economically, and environmentally.

Chris has spent much of his career working with charities and social enterprises, for the last 14 years he has focussed his time on his role as a Councillor and as a volunteer with a number of local organisations. He brings this experience and ethos to his involvement with Plymouth Energy Community, where he is a founding member and supports their efforts to democratise energy, tackle fuel poverty, and promote sustainability across the city.

When he’s not working and volunteering Chris enjoys spending time with friends at the theatre, in galleries and attending local events; he also enjoys relaxing at home building Lego sets. He’s proud to call Plymouth home and never misses a chance to show off the city’s history, beauty, spirit and resilience.

David retired from HSBC Bank plc in 2014 after a career of over 40 years in banking. He has worked in locations throughout Devon and Cornwall and in his final role was a Relationship Manager based in the Commercial Centre in Plymouth. His responsibilities included the management of a portfolio of businesses with an annual sales turnover of up to £30 million. 

David first joined the Governing Body of Ivybridge Community College in 2004 and then became a founding member of the Ivybridge Academy Trust. Following the growth of the Trust into Westcountry Schools Trust he stepped down from the board but has remained a member. 

David has been a director of PEC Renewables Ltd and Ernesettle Community Solar Limited since 2015.

Lee is a Senior Manager at the University of Plymouth. He has previously worked as Regen’s onshore renewables programme manager and has led and managed work within the large-scale onshore and offshore renewables, micro-generation and built environment sectors. 

He has over 20 years’ experience in the renewables industry and has developed the capabilities of businesses and communities to deploy more renewable and energy efficiency technologies. He has extensive knowledge of sustainable energy and low carbon policy, legislation, supply chain and technical development and deployment. 

Lee helped to develop and manage the EU £6.3m Ready for Retrofit programme and subsequently the £16.5m Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub projects, one of the UK’s largest European Regional Development Fund business support programmes and the UK’s Offshore Renewable Energy Programmes respectively, installing over 1700 domestic energy efficiency technologies and attracting over £130m of additional match funding for Offshore Renewable Energy research. 

Lee is from Plymouth and is a keen advocate of developing the low carbon economy he wants the city to lead in community led renewable energy initiatives. Lee was co-opted to the PEC Renewables Board in 2015 and was voted on to the PEC CBS Board in 2017. He later became an elected member on the PEC Renewables Board in 2021 when he also assumed the role of Chairperson. He is also the Chair of Ernesettle Community Solar Ltd and sits on the Chelson Meadow Community Solar Board (a Joint Venture with Plymouth City Council).