Stephen studied law at the University of Hull and worked in private practice in York for 15 years, latterly as a partner.

In 1991, he returned to Hull as Head of the Legal Services team for Humberside Police, a post which he held for 24 years. 

Stephen was the Chair of the Association of Police Lawyers for three years and then served a further three years as Secretary. He also sat on the ACPO Working Group, raising awareness of the Human Rights Act.

Stephen now works as a consultant solicitor for the Police and Crime Commissioner in Cleveland.

Having been a school governor in York for 15 years, latterly as Chair of the governing body, he has developed an understanding of all aspects of school governance.

Stephen previously held a qualification as a rugby league coach, coaching youngsters at Heworth Rugby League Club for a number of years.

I have been for more than thirty years a committed public servant. I have extensive experience of working across the public sector and specifically in roles that meet the requirements of this role.

Having graduated from The University of Leicester, my career started in the private sector in banking and audit before I moved into the public sector with roles in audit and consultancy. I was privileged to join Humberside Police in 1999 where I worked as the Assistant Chief Officer until I retired in September 2017. Since then, I have been able to devote more time to my wife, Jan and my now 16-year-old son, but I also have a role in the NHS as one of three Lay Members in the Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group. I have specific responsibilities for their Audit and Remuneration Committees.

 I am recognised as a strong and committed team player, team builder and team leader by both fellow executives and members of the teams I have lead. I have long held the view that it is critical to be committed to the people who work with you as people, engaging actively with them, and supporting and encouraging them as individuals, making them know that they are appreciated. This has underpinned my being able to take teams of people with me on the journey to deliver sustained and successful outcomes in challenging environments. I have always practiced an open, honest and engaging leadership style, which I do not find difficult to sustain.

Public organisations are at a critical point in the development of and demand for the services they deliver. The increase in quantity and complexity of need is matched by the demand for continuous innovation and often reconfiguration of services as there is a need to live within increasingly challenging financial targets. This must place different and increased demands on the services for which the Board is responsible and on the role and function of the Board itself. I have extensive experience of working in such environments. Following three years as a Trustee, I became a Member in March 2022. 

I see a good education as the gateway to personal fulfilment for young people whichever career route they ultimately choose – academic or vocational.

To support schools in delivering a good education I have been involved with East Riding School Governance for more than twenty-five years, serving on all four state school governing bodies in Hessle and as Chair of Governors at three. I was a member of the Trust Board since the formation of TCAT in 2017 and became a Member from March 2023.

My children attended local schools and my wife previously taught at a Trust school.

After working as a Company Director for ten years I started my own company in 2004. Based in Hull my company trades internationally in the health care sector. Working in the private sector brings useful skills and experience to my role.