James Cornford – an appreciation
James Cornford, was one of the original founders of the Centre. His guidance and wisdom was invaluable in helping get the Centre off the ground. His death was a great loss to civil society and he will be sorely missed.
James was an influential figure in the social entrepreneurship world, and along with the late Michael Young and others was instrumental in getting the concept of social entrepreneurship recognised and established in the UK.
James held a number of important roles. He was Trustee of The Dartington Trust and served as Chairman between 2001 and 2007. He was Chairman of the Campaign for Freedom of Information, a Trustee of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, served as a trustee of Elm Farm Research Centre, the Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs, the Institute of Community Studies, and The Young Foundation.
James was the first director of the Institute for Public Policy Research and was involved with many organisations in the past including the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Nuffield Foundation and Job Ownership Ltd (now the Employee Ownership Association).