CV

Transformational leader who has delivered substantial service improvements in different organisations. Passionate about financial, environmental and community issues. 

I bring imagination, energy, focus, and warmth to the organisations that I work with. I bring out the best in people often by connecting individuals with others.

CAREER

President REScoop EU

Rescoop is helping deliver a citizen-led energy transition across Europe. We have a range of projects including MESCISE – an international investment fund to support community owned energy in different countries. Board members are elected every four years by member coops.

The picture is from our business planning session, and yes it’s a doughnut (inspired by Kate Raworth).

In 2025 I was elected President for a four year term.

Director Energy4All (2013 to present)

E4All is the leading community energy developer in the UK, with 35 member cooperatives. We have raised £100m of cooperative share capital and collectively our cooperatives have 19,000 members. I am the non-Executive Director, but I take on specific roles from developing the business plan and writing the annual report. I represent E4All on the REScoop board.

Director Westmill Solar co-operative Ltd (2012 to 2025)

When established, Westmill Solar Coop was one of the world’s largest community owned solar projects. I was a founder Director and with colleagues we raised £6m capital through an co-operative share offer, and £12m via bank and bond finance. We have 1,500 members and work with ethical businesses such as Ethex and Energy4All to operate the project.

Chair Westmill Windfarm co-operative Ltd (2005 to present)

Chair of the board of directors of UK’s largest community owned wind project. A £9 million, five-turbine project with 2,500 cooperative members operating on ethical principles.

• A public face of windfarm to cooperative members and in national media.
• Developed effective board working ensuring perspectives of all board members are heard, whilst the cooperative remains focussed on its business plan.
• Established a charity to develop community local sustainable energy projects.

Project Director, Local Partnerships (January 2012 to November 2013)

Leading project to develop the business case for a local government collective bonds agency.

Programme Director Finance, Local Government Association (2008 to 2011)

National role, representing English local councils on financial policy issues, whilst also lead finance officer for the LGA’s own internal finances.

• Modernised LGA financial systems, introducing treasury management, monthly financial reporting, and strengthened debt collection systems. Lead in dealing with the LGA’s two pension providers.
• LGA lead on 2010 comprehensive spending review, working with CLG and Treasury to build the case for investment in public services.
• After abolition of the Audit Commission, developed, and key participant in, the sector-led local government efficiency programme.
• Developed a strong partnership with the CBI and think-tanks. Drafted national joint report on best practice in commissioning services.

Chair Oxford Credit union (2006 to 2018)

Developed and helped launched Oxford’s credit union – now with over 1,000 adult members. Chairing a diverse board of volunteers overseeing governance, fund raising, and business growth.

CIPFA Treasury management panel member (2009 to 2012)

Panel member overseeing local government professional standards in treasury and capital finance. Jointly drafted series of new guidance documents on treasury management after collapse of Icelandic Banks. 

Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Oxford City Council (2002 to 2007).

Transformed a team of 290 staff comprising finance, property, revenues and benefits, legal services, human resources, facilities management, policy/performance management/media and information technology.

• Took Finance from a unit that couldn’t produce basic information, with almost a decade of qualified/un-audited financial accounts, to a service that produced monthly “balanced scorecard” information and unqualified accounts on time.
• Established a nationally recognised sustainable/green procurement function that generated savings of £800,000 a year.
• Overhauled the asset-management function, which managed the £170m property portfolio, Cleared the rent review backlog and generated additional £700,000 in annual rent income.
• Developed shared back office functions with other councils including joint banking and IT support functions. Organised a joint development programme for aspiring senior managers in partnership with a London Borough.
• Championed the authority’s equality agenda – putting a set of statutory schemes/policies in place, commissioning training and impact assessments.
• Introduced a major accountancy firm to take over the failing internal audit function, delivered improved services and £100,000 annual savings.

Depute Director of Finance, Western Isles Council (1999 to 2002)

• Led the finance team of 55, modernising the department’s management systems. Addressed longstanding skills issues by establishing a cohort of trainees, and introducing a professional development programme.
• Project managed the department’s successful IIP accreditation.
• Lead the council’s liaison with Scottish Executive on finance and governance issues.

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (1989 to 1999) – several roles.

• Managed the eight finance trainees, data protection officer. Organised finance training across London as Vice Chair, CIPFA London Division.
• As Head of Internal Audit – led a series of high profile financial investigations, redrafted the financial and contract regulations.

District Audit/Audit Commission (1982 to 1989).

• External audit of nine London boroughs. Undertook a series of value for money projects in different authorities.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• Oxford University – CPD programme in environmental issues.
• Strathclyde Business School – programme of management courses 2000-2
• CiPFA qualified – 1988
• Loughborough University – BSc Economic History & Politics
• High Pavement Grammar School/College 8 O’Levels, 3 A’ Levels