Alan Johnson is the Director of Symbiont CIC and a trained Ecologist and Environmental Manager (MSc MIEMA) with over 20 years’ experience supporting community and social enterprises in Merseyside. He has extensive expertise in managing grant and loan programmes, local regeneration schemes, and EU support initiatives, and has advised Liverpool and Sefton Councils as a Social Enterprise Adviser. Alan has conducted over 2,000 grant assessments, supporting more than 200 organisations and helping to raise over £30 million in investment.
Alan’s work focuses on building strong, resilient communities through social enterprises, promoting environmental sustainability, and developing green infrastructure. He currently manages two energy efficiency support programmes in Liverpool, providing guidance to both public and third sector organisations. He is well-connected across the local third sector and brings a representative voice to initiatives like the Practice-Builders’ Network.
He defines a joined-up, sustainable, and socially just future as one where local organisations, businesses, statutory bodies, and residents are part of a mutualistic, supportive local economy, prioritising social justice and environmental sustainability. His approach combines hands-on delivery with capacity building, including training social entrepreneurs through the School for Social Entrepreneurs and participating in green networks.
Alan has led projects transforming underutilised land into educational, environmentally-friendly urban farms, integrating renewable energy, wetlands, woodland management, and community learning. These initiatives highlight his commitment to social justice, equality of opportunity, and environmental stewardship, ensuring benefits reach diverse groups from children to NEET youth and isolated elderly residents.
Through the network, Alan aims to share his deep sector knowledge, contribute to improving local communities, and inform his ongoing research, while learning from peers to enhance collaborative, sustainable, and socially just community development.