Our team
SERA is a member-led organisation, supported by staff, an Executive Committee and a parliamentary group of 100 MPs.
Ben Carter
Executive DirectorBen leads SERA and brings over two decades of experience in campaigning, political strategy and fundraising. He is privileged to have supported environmental action, policy change, and grassroots engagement across the UK.
Laura Clarke
Research and Politics OfficerLaura leads our policy and research work and acts as our parliamentary officer. She has over twenty years’ experience delivering research, policy and advocacy for the labour movement, charities and social research institutes in the UK, Europe and Australia.
Executive Committee
Elected every three years by SERA members, the Executive Committee provides strategic input into all of our work.
Lisa Trickett
SERA Co-ChairLisa is a Birmingham City Councillor and co-founder of Places in Common. Through her political, professional, and campaigning work with SERA, she focuses on securing delivery of a fair and just transition and embedding environmental justice in local and national policy.
Bill Eyres
SERA Co-ChairBill is an experienced sustainability, corporate affairs, and marketing professional who has worked with major organisations including The Crown Estate, O2, The Co-operative Bank, and The Body Shop International. His focus is on strengthening sustainability performance, maximising shared value, and placing people at the heart of positive social change.
Rachel Eden
SERA TreasurerRachel is Treasurer of SERA and has been a councillor for Whitley in Reading since 2010. She is currently Lead Councillor for Public Health and Education, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, founder of Holy Brook Accountants, and a director of Reading Community Energy Society.
Matthew Crighton
Co-Chair SERA ScotlandMatthew is Sustainable Economy Adviser at Friends of the Earth Scotland and Secretary of the Just Transition Partnership, bringing together trade unions and climate campaigners. His work focuses on green economy policy, collaboration across the environmental sector, and ensuring a just transition for workers and communities.
Phillip Fenton
Executive Committee MemberPhil champions the circular economy and resource efficiency. He has previously supported the Shadow Labour DEFRA team on resources and waste policy and is a former National Organiser for SERA, bringing long-standing movement knowledge and policy experience.
Christian Fuller
Youth RepresentativeChristian is SERA’s Youth Representative and a legal professional specialising in international environmental law. He brings experience in UK politics and campaigning, alongside a strong focus on youth voice and environmental justice.
Jessie Jacobs
Executive Committee MemberJessie is a campaigner and social entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience in leadership, advocacy, and community development. A former Director of the UK Democracy Network, she has led national campaigns, raised significant funding for grassroots action, and now works on local regeneration initiatives in Cornwall. A passionate surfer, she is committed to protecting the UK’s coastline and oceans.
Sandy Martin
Executive Committee MemberSandy has served on SERA’s Executive Committee since 2020 and leads on membership growth and support for local groups. He previously served as Shadow Minister for Waste and Recycling from 2018 to 2019 and brings extensive experience of Labour politics and environmental campaigning.
Melanie Smallman
Executive Committee MemberMelanie represents the Socialist Societies on Labour’s National Policy Forum, providing a direct link between SERA and Labour’s policymaking process. Involved with SERA since 2006, she has previously served as a Labour councillor, advised DEFRA, and is now a Professor at UCL.
Pete Wood
Co-Chair SERA ScotlandPete is a researcher focused on environmental and social sciences and an Associate Lecturer at The Open University. He is Co-Chair of SERA Scotland and brings academic expertise alongside experience supporting Labour-aligned environmental policy and debate.
Starling Wilkie
Executive Committee Member, Wales RepresentativeStarling represents Wales on SERA’s Executive Committee and lives and works in Cardiff. She is Board Secretary of the Co-operative Party, having previously served for many years as Deputy General Secretary. With a background in local government, policy, and strategic planning, Starling has been a Labour activist for over 40 years and brings deep experience of organisation-building and Welsh politics, alongside a lifelong love of the environment.