David Francis has been our Director since he joined CAN in February 1986. As well as managing the organisation, he provides information and advice to parish councils and voluntary organisations on legal and constitutional matters, management issues and organisational development. He represents the voluntary and community sector on various county-wide and regional bodies.

He is also the Secretary of the Northumberland Association of Local Councils, which he represents on the National Association.

Originally a Chartered Town Planner, David subsequently gained a PhD and he occasionally writes books on community development in rural areas.

He lives with his family in a village near Alnwick. He is a parish councillor and a school governor. For (mental) relaxation he enjoys walking, cycling and running, and occasionally drinking real ale.