Sophia Looney, Director, Policy, Equalities and Performance, London Borough of Lambeth

Sophia started her career as a youth worker, working in Kent leading the development of detached work and introduced an embryonic focus on the concept of outcomes. After a short spell supporting performance management in the economic development service there, she moved to the Audit Commission. At the Commission she managed and delivered performance audit and inspection in local authorities and health trusts, leading nationally the work for the Commission on asylum seekers.

In 2007 she moved to Lambeth where her focus has been predominately on performance improvement. She now leads the transformation programme and directs the strategic policy function; as well as equalities, performance and programme management. Sophia's policy team wrote the 'cooperative council' white paper and are now leading the implementation of the citizens' commission conclusions and recommendations.