Camilla de Bernhardt Lane

As Governance and Leadership Director in Grant Thornton’s public sector Audit team, I bring a proven track record of delivering effective governance across local government and the charity sector. I work nationally, leading complex governance, cultural change and organisational innovation and improvement work with public bodies across the UK. I bring extensive expertise in scrutiny, governance, democracy and organisational effectiveness, alongside commercial experience in securing and delivering large-scale consultancy engagements.

My career spans senior leadership roles within local government, as well as national influence in policy and practice. I focus on helping organisations navigate complex governance, cultural and leadership challenges, often in high-profile or intervention settings where pace, credibility and impact really matter. I am particularly passionate about enabling public bodies to embed approaches that genuinely improve behaviours, decision-making and outcomes.

Clients value my ability to combine strategic insight with hands-on delivery, I work closely with elected members, officers and boards to co-design solutions that are practical, owned and sustainable. I have extensive experience across local government, combined authorities and organisations in intervention, supporting governance reviews, scrutiny effectiveness and cultural change. Standout work includes designing governance models that have been adopted directly into new constitutional arrangements, and leading transformation programmes where my work has contributed to improved organisational effectiveness, stronger relationships and successful recovery from intervention.

Outside work I am a theatre charity trustee, gym addict and mum to a teenage daughter. I also enjoy painting and spending time with my dogs.