ENVIRONMENTAL body Groundwork has appointed a North-East director to take its new structure onto the regional stage.

Kate Culverhouse will lead the newly-configured Groundwork North- East which is to go live on July 1, and brings together a host of smaller trusts working across the region into a more effective force and dynamic authority on environmental issues.

Ms Culverhouse has been acting director for the past six months while preparations for the merger have been under way. She takes up her new role at a time when the environment and the green economy are top of the global agenda “The aim of the reorganisation is to become more consistent, efficient and effective,” said Ms Culverhouse.

“Being a regional force gives us the benefits of scale and allows us to have greater influence at a strategic level on the North-East stage.

“It will also make us more competitive in the current economic climate and improve opportunities for staff to learn and develop.”

She said at the same time it was vital Groundwork did not forget its core strengths and values of operating at a community level.

“On July 1 the new structure goes live and we enter a very positive time for Groundwork North-East,” she said.

“Change is a good thing. If we change we move forward; if we don’t we risk stagnation – and we are already beginning to see the benefits.”

Groundwork delivers programmes in disadvantaged areas working with unemployed people and the young.

It tackles a host of green economy issues ranging from regeneration, local food production, health and exercise to climate change, sustainable buildings, land use, skills development, employment and business services.

Groundwork North-East will operate at a regional level with a host of public agencies, including local authorities, primary care trusts and the Environment Agency. It will also develop stronger links with One North East and Government Office.