Gervase Poulden

Having been interested in climate and social issues from an early age, Gervase started his career as an environmental journalist reporting on mining in Peru. In 2013 he joined the UK Civil Service, in roles including running a job centre to help support people in debt and fuel poverty. Coming to the realisation that an understanding of human behaviour was essential for designing effective policy and achieving social change, Gervase undertook a master’s in Behavioural Economics.

Gervase’s time in the Civil Service showed him how those at the margins of society can be left behind by the state. It also gave him several ideas for supporting people in debt, prompting him to apply for Year Here to make those ideas a reality. In his spare time, Gervase volunteers for Friendship Works, a mentorship programme.