Steve had a first career spanning 39 years in the public sector, with 17 years as a Chief Executive and Chief Fire Officer and working within multiple governance/Board arrangements across the political spectrum. He was President of the Professional Association of Fire Chiefs, a Board member of International Council of the Sector’s Engineering Institution/Body (he is a Life Fellow) and a Trustee of several charities, including the Fire Research and Training Trust (a position he retains). He was instrumental in the transformation and reorientation of fire and rescue services’ over an extensive period and he has led in the most difficult and demanding of crisis situations. Shortly after retiring from fire, in 2016, the London Business School made him their Master of Reinvention at their Innovation Awards, and he has been a member of the Awards’ Judging Panel ever since.

He has worked closely with Officials and Ministers to the highest levels of government and, as a result, has given evidence to numerous Select Committee and Public Accounts Committee Enquiries. Currently, he is an Expert Witness to the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry.

Steve was recognised for his contribution to public service through the award of the Queens Fire Service Medal in 2002, as well as the CBE in 2004. He was commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) for the County of Greater Manchester in 2012 and continues in this role. In this capacity, he is an assessor for the Queens Award for Voluntary Services (QAVS).

Steve embarked on a portfolio career in 2015, primarily as the Chairman of an Acute Hospitals Foundation Trust – and is now in his second term in that role. He has again led culture change and transformation, taking the Trust’s regulatory rating from Requires Improving to Good. Most recently, he has led the Board through unprecedented crisis of the Corona Virus pandemic.

Alongside his Health Sector role and his Expert Witness role, Steve has his own consulting practice. He is currently also a Board Member of the Government’s National Leadership Center – the pre-eminent leadership development programme for CEOs/ Chief Constables/ Director Generals and their equivalents across all public services.

Steve brings extensive insight into the political infrastructure at local and national levels and within which business must operate. He also brings wide experience of the board resilience necessary to lead organisations through transformation and culture change, as well as helping boards cope with crises. He holds a first degree in Politics and Social Science, an Honours Degree in Fire Safety, Technology and Management and Masters Degree in Management.