A board of directors, elected by members
The Cable’s directors are members who have been elected by the wider membership to ensure democratic accountability.
Directors have limited power, but are incredibly important: rather than playing an active role in day to day operations or editorial decisions, they function as an advisory group, for oversight on planning and strategy, and providing expertise. Ultimately, they provide an added level of scrutiny for the co-operative.
As is the case with all co-operatives, the general membership retain the ultimate power, holding the capacity to elect and un-elect all officials within the co-op.
Directors meet every two months, and give ongoing consultation and advice according to the needs of the operational team.
Our Current Board
Katherine Sladden
Elected in October 2025
I’ve dedicated my career to supporting people directly impacted by injustice to lead change. I was UK Campaigns Director at petition site Change.org, helping it grow from 100,000 to 12 million users. I then spent over four years supporting Grenfell United, bereaved and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire, to campaign for justice and change. I’m now the founder of Breakthrough Impact, a non-profit supporting grassroots campaigners to lead their own campaigns, working with activists including housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa and Weinstein whistle-blower Zelda Perkins.
I admire the Cable’s journalism that focuses on communities, amplifies marginalised voices, and creates real impact. Supporting the Cable feels like a meaningful way to contribute to Bristol, and I’d be excited to bring my experience of movement-building and strategic campaigning to help turn community reporting into impactful change.
Teena Lashmore
Elected in October 2025
I am a community development professional with over 19 years of experience in partnership working, including management, training and practitioner roles. I have five years of teaching in the field of social justice, along with senior leadership and line management experience. I’ve worked on strategic development with Local Authority commissioning, the Met Police Service, CCTV and Domestic Abuse Services, and built the only service for Young Adult Males (17-25) in the Criminal Justice Sector.
Previously, I chaired Hackney Unites, a community group for social justice, and Hackney User Group (HUG), supporting the community to take over the management of their local park. Through these roles, I developed strong skills in community engagement and democratic organising.
I’m passionate about community enterprises and democratic frameworks. I’m keen to bring my professional skills to the Cable through community business development, enhancing existing practice and building effective community engagement. My experience in financial leadership, securing investment opportunities, organisational development and partnership working would support the Cable’s growth and strengthen its vital role in independent local journalism.
Mat Alborough
Elected in October 2025
I’ve been with the Cable since 2013, when Alon and Adam first approached me about their new media project. My background in Bristol indymedia, Bristol IWW, Acorn, and as a volunteer at cooperatively run radical bookshop Hydra Books made me immediately interested in another organisation working towards radical, grassroots change.
I started as a volunteer and became one of the first paid staff members, initially focusing on the Cable’s tech needs. As we adopted sociocracy as our organising method, my work shifted to the People and Wellbeing circle, where I’ve spent the last seven years.
As a director, I draw on this experience in People and Wellbeing, my years of community organising, and my own lived experience of disability. I’m particularly focused on looking after our most important asset—the staff members who produce and support our excellent journalism. Without them, the organisation cannot survive, and ensuring their wellbeing is central to the Cable’s sustainability and mission.
