Spotlight on Joe
Joe Ferns joined the Lucent team in January 2021. Previously he worked for the Institute of Psychiatry, Samaritans and The National Lottery Community Fund leading a diverse range of functions including service development, research, policy, public affairs and data. Alongside his work for Lucent he is also director of The Baobab Foundation, a new grantmaking foundation led by the black and ethnic minority community organisations it supports.
Here Joe gives an insight into his work with Lucent.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work with Lucent?
All our clients are doing really important work that in some way is trying to make the world a better, fairer place. I enjoy the fact that we add real value, and often very quickly. We often take on complex assignments that require us to draw on the knowledge of the whole team and it’s great to be able to get challenge and insight from people who have such a range of experience.
What are the key challenges that you are seeing clients are facing as we emerge from this period?
I think the current efforts in the sector to think properly about power, equality and equity are fascinating. We’ve seen organisations asking themselves difficult and important questions about their past, present and future. It feels like a real turning point.
With prolonged uncertainty, strategy now needs to be much more iterative but also more focussed. Organisations are finding that clarity of purpose and a willingness to be more ‘human’ has never been more important.
What has kept you going through Covid – both personally and professionally?
I’ve worked on a few pro-bono projects because I felt like I needed to contribute somehow. It’s given me the chance to learn and I’ve made good friends along the way too. On a personal level, I’ve tried to keep a strong sense of perspective. Boredom, lack of holidays and endless Zoom calls aren’t things to complain about when so many people have it so much worse. I’ve had more time with my kids and partner and for that I’m very grateful.
What is your wish for the future of the sector right now?
I find the current levels of intolerance and division in society painful. I think our sector has a unique role to play in bringing people together, reminding us what we have in common and that our most entrenched and difficult problems can be resolved if we listen to each other, collaborate and believe that better is possible. But then I was raised by hippies so maybe I’m an idealist…
What or who inspires you?
My daughters. They’re young women in a world that’s never been more complex, stressful and demanding for young people. They’re brave, hopeful and kind and I am constantly learning from them.
All Covid-restrictions have been lifted… you are off on holiday – where are you going?
New Zealand. My partner is from there but I fell in love with the place 20 years ago.
Meet the rest of the Lucent team here.