Lee Bates BEM, DL

Lee Bates BEM, DL is a community leader, social entrepreneur and experienced public speaker with more than two decades of involvement in public and voluntary service.

A former Mayor of Tamworth and local councillor, Lee is the founder of Community Together CIC, established in 2011 to tackle isolation, improve wellbeing and connect people with the support they need. His work has spanned community development, social prescribing, mental health and wellbeing, tackling loneliness, employability, inclusion and bringing communities together.

In recognition of his contribution to the community, Lee was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) and in 2023 was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire.

Lee is passionate about the power of community, kindness and human connection. Drawing on his experiences of civic leadership, building community organisations and working alongside people from all walks of life, he speaks openly and engagingly about leadership, resilience, inclusion, volunteering and how ordinary people can create extraordinary change in their communities.

At the heart of Lee's message is a simple belief: stronger communities are created when people feel seen, valued, connected and able to belong.