Joe Irvin is chief executive of Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking. The charity is currently campaigning to pedestrianise Oxford Street in London and works with over 3,500 schools encouraging children to walk to school. He has 35 years’ experience at senior level in the voluntary, public and private sectors, as well as trade unions. He was previously political secretary to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, special adviser to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Director of Policy for the Transport and General Workers Union. He is an elected trustee of ACEVO – the Association for Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations – and serves as a judge for the Guardian Charity Awards.
1) Which place or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Though from Central Lancashire originally, I have lived in London with my family for many years - I feel very at home in Hackney, Walthamstow and Islington where I have spent most of my time. I love the mix of people, the secret neighbourhood and hidden treasures, and the vitality of the place amidst the hustle and bustle of the capital city.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Taking part in the UN climate change negotiations in Kyoto supporting John Prescott – against the odds, coming out with the world’s first agreement to cut greenhouse gases with binding targets. The environment is important to me and Kyoto didn't solve the whole problem but it was an essential first step.
3) What inspires you?
People making personal sacrifices for the sake of others – you see instances all the time in the charity world. I am especially in awe of people who bring us all together, bridge divides and strengthen our sense of community. An example would be a Community centre in Cumbria which embraced refugees and made them welcome and safe in a council estate previously unused to immigration.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
People in power being reluctant to embrace change, even if it is obvious they need to.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
I come from a socialist family and spent over 20 years working in trade unions – I always have in mind how hard life is for most people and how we can overcome injustice by acting together.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Working with enthusiastic people to change people’s lives for the better. I recently heard from Arun in Leicester who, suffering from Alzheimer's, lost his confidence to go outdoors. His wife persuaded him to join a Living Streets walking group and he told us: 'I enjoy the walks. With a guide I don't worry about where I am; I can just enjoy the walking in the park. I enjoy the fresh air, seeing flowers and trees, hearing the birds, and it makes me feel refreshed.'
7) And the worst?
Like most charities, we end up with periodic uncertainty over how we can fund our work. But I suppose this makes us work hard to make every penny count. 8) What are your long term goals? For our charity, to turn Britain into a country where walking is the natural choice for everyday local journeys such as the journey to school, to work or to the shops, with a better attractive walking environment.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Ensuring big corporations pay their share of tax.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Nelson Mandela – probably the greatest hero of my lifetime, who suffered greatly, achieved so much and was a very funny story-teller. He could also certainly survive on an island with very little.
