Iona McArdle

Iona McArdle is an economic development professional specialising in inclusive economy strategies and programmes that address economic exclusion. She joined L&W in July 2024 as Programme Manager for the UK Jobs Plus pilot at Learning and Work Institute, an innovative ‘place-based’ initiative that helps individuals access sustainable, living-wage employment. Iona’s career spans roles in the private, public, and voluntary sectors, including most recently coordinating a programme of social value delivery for a national construction company, and developing the Think Work strategy and delivery programme as Head of Employment and Opportunity at the London Borough of Waltham Forest. She is a Fellow of the RSA, a member of the London Prosperity Board, and a Clore Social Leadership alumna.