It was after seeing how parliamentary policies shape people’s lives during her time as a researcher and speechwriter in the House of Commons that Joanna Elson enrolled on Politics and Social Policy master’s at Birkbeck. She wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the history and potential of social change.

After graduating in 1992, Joanna worked for a financial services trade association. By working directly with the banks, she was able to expand their services, ensuring increased access to basic bank accounts for all that needed one, and actively fighting against the ‘poverty premium’. She later joined the Money Advice Trust whose vision is to help people tackle their debts. As CEO of the independent charity, this role allowed Joanna to increase her influence by helping consumers directly.

She was honoured with a CBE for her work with the Money Advice Trust and for services to people in debt in 2020.