Alan has been an interim programme & project director/manager working across multiple sectors in both the private and public sector for 20+ years.  The key focus being to analyse and/or develop and deliver difficult programmes or projects in order to maximise both operational efficiencies and effectiveness. For example, developed and procured a consortium to deliver a £26m business service for high-growth & scale-up businesses in the East of England.

Alan has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and joined Steps to Work as a Trustee in Late 2023.

He lives with his wife in Great Barr and he and his wife are avid Liverpool FC fans. He has 3 grown-up children, his eldest daughter is a vet in the north of England, his other daughter is in hospitality in the East Midlands and his son is in his final year at Durham University studying Business & Management.

Alan was an avid caver and a member of the Northern and Somerset section of the Cave Diving Group.

Alan is also a Trustee at Help Harry Help Other which offers cancer patients and their families and friends any support that is needed, outside of treatment – all under one roof.  And also a Trustee at the Birmingham Irish Association which is a Midlands’ leading charity providing support and cultural services to the Irish Community.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-downton-5716822/

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Aaron Jarvis, a seasoned finance professional with 34 years of experience, currently serves as the Finance Director at DSM Demolition in Birmingham. As a Fellow of the Association of Accounting Technicians and a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants for nearly two decades. He holds a Bachelor of Honours in Sustainable Management and a Master of Science in Business Strategic Management, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning.

In his first trustee role at Steps to Work, Aaron will eagerly look forward to engaging with the team, leveraging his financial acumen to drive positive change. Beyond his career, Aaron treasures time with his family and friends, finding solace in their company. Committed to holistic well-being, he frequents the gym to maintain a positive mindset, albeit acknowledging the challenges that come with age.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-jarvis-b8848327/

Alex Tross is Partner and head of Office Agency in the Midlands at national property consultancy, Carter Jonas.

A Chartered Surveyor, Alex has almost 20 years’ experience in commercial property, advising landlords and tenants on all matters relating to their office assets.

In addition, Alex is Deputy Chair of Colmore Business Improvement District (BID) which is a defined geographical area within which local businesses collaborate to invest in projects, services and initiatives which improve the environment in which they work and socialise.

Alex has been a trustee of Steps to Work since 2023 and is passionate about creating an environment where there is equality of opportunity for all, especially those facing challenging circumstances.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextross/

Andy has enjoyed a career in commercial banking, with experience in supporting SMEs to large corporates across the East & West Midlands. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Banker Institute and completed an MBA, with Distinction, in 2022.

Giving back has been something that Andy has been active in over the years, where he has volunteered and been involved in challenge based fund raising, which has seen him trek to Everest Base Camp, cycle Lands End to John O’Groats, run 2 marathons and complete the 3 Peaks Challenge in under 24 hours, to name a few.

Personally, Andy has lived and worked in the West Midlands for over 20 years, having married a Brummie! He is very active in his Christadelphian church and his second religion is Liverpool Football Club! He is a doting Dad to 2 Jack Russels and loves taking them on holiday within the UK, exploring new places, beaches in particular, with Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire being his favourite.

Linked in Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymoss2024/ 

Having started her career in automotive design, managing projects for the likes of VW, McLaren, Bentley and JLR, and spearheading charity golf days to bring people together, Amy moved into the charity sector to be Partnerships Manager at Acorns Children’s Hospice, the largest children’s hospice in the UK.

Increasing the charity’s income to the largest on record within a year of joining, Amy managed strategic relationships to raise profile and much needed funds. Joining Convera (formerly Western Union Business Solutions) in 2020, she focussed on supporting businesses with cross border trade through strategic partnerships and retained the drive to help others achieve. In 2022 Amy won Female Networker of the Year at the Birmingham Awards. 

Amy is proud to be a founding Business Ambassador for Acorns Children’s Hospice and is actively involved in continuing the support for the UK’s largest children’s hospice.

Joining the Steps To Work board in 2018, having recognised the great value STW provide to individuals with the biggest barriers to sustainable employment, Amy now chairs the People subcommittee and her ethos to support others is strong. Volunteering for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 and appearing in both the opening and closing ceremonies, alongside playing netball, Amy enjoys being active and part of a team. Amy Is now Chief of Staff for David & Co. – a business growth partner that supports ambitious companies who want to be the next big thing. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amydeakin/

Dr. Inez Brown brings over two decades of legal expertise and a passion for strategic excellence to the forefront. As the Founder and CEO of McKenzie Brown Consultancy Ltd, Inez has transformed challenges into opportunities for her clients, establishing herself as a visionary leader in the legal and business sectors.

Inez is currently the Chair of Steps to Work and has been in post since September October 2023.  She was formerly Chair of the Oversight Committee for the Charity.

Inez is currently the Regional Chair of the Institute of Directors.  In her role as Regional Chair for the Institute of Directors (IoD), covering the Central region of East and West Midlands, Inez oversees a network of 7 branch chairs, guiding members through the intricacies of corporate governance. Her proactive engagement reflects a commitment to fostering best practices and exceeding the potential of businesses under her purview.

In 2020, Inez made history as the first black woman to serve as the President of the Birmingham Law Society, leaving an indelible mark during its 202-year history. Her proudest achievement was initiating a diversity and inclusion scheme, underscoring her dedication to equal opportunities within the legal profession.

With over 13 years’ experience as a Non-Executive Director and Trustee, Inez collaborates with board members to unlock business potential. Her approach, characterised by clear and compassionate communication, has earned the trust of clients across legal and business sectors. Inez’s strategic insights contribute to any company’s vision and growth trajectory.

Inez’s commitment to excellence is evident in her completion of the IoD Chartered Directors Certificate, showcasing her expertise in corporate governance, leadership, and strategy. Aston University has honored her contributions with an honorary doctorate, solidifying her legacy in legal and business sectors.

Beyond the boardroom, Inez is a facilitator, adept at guiding both large and small groups towards key learning outcomes and holistic professional development. Inez’ experience reflects not just a commitment to corporate success but a dedication to shaping a future where businesses thrive, diversity flourishes, and opportunities abound for the next generation.

Inez also fundraises for the Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT), a charity that provides support to children and young people with an acquired brain injury.  She has raised thousands of pounds for them since 2021.

Joe Wilson – St Philips Chambers, CEO and Director of Clerking

Joe started his career in the Judicial Appointments Division of the Lord Chancellor’s Department where he assisted in appointments to the High Court Bench, Circuit Bench as well as to the ranks of Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) and Recordership.

He started his clerking career in 1998 at a well-known common-law set of chambers in London where he quickly rose to the rank of First Junior. In 2001 Joe made the move to Birmingham to join St Philips Chambers and within six months, and at the age of 25, he was appointed Senior Criminal and Regulatory Clerk where he went on to co-manage the merger with No.1 Fountain Court in and the influx of over 20 barristers from No.3 Fountain Court. Since then, Joe has gone on to directly manage two further mergers. In 2010 he was appointed to the role of Chief Clerk, with responsibility for all practice groups and clerking generally.

Today, Joe is the Chief Executive and Director of Clerking with responsibility for the overall management and leadership of the administration, ensuring best practice throughout. His role encompasses: strategic planning, business development, practice development, marketing, Human Resources and management.

Joe has proudly seen through an unprecedented 52 full-time judicial appointments (1 Lord Justice of Appeal, 4 High Court Judges, 32 Circuit Judges, 7 District Judges and 8 Tribunal Judges); and the appointment of 23 King’s Counsel.

In 2023, Joe was appointed a Director of Birmingham Law Society, the largest regional law society, representing c9,000 legal professionals and students in Birmingham and across the greater Midlands.

Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-wilson-7a636427/

Peter joined Steps to Work as a Trustee in early 2024. He is an experienced Regulatory and Dispute Resolution solicitor with a Legal 500 acknowledged expertise in Dispute Resolution, Licensing and Gambling. He prides himself in bringing a lawyer’s approach to detail and the ability to see problems from different aspects. 

When he retired  from a full time legal services role in February 2023 he had served at Partner / Director level for most of his 44 year career. He challenges constructively in the best interests of the company and its customers; people-focused, analytic, he brings an invaluable voice, unique insight and intrinsic worth to the board room.

As a senior business leader within legal practice, Peter has been integral in the networking/marketing functions of practices. Described by colleagues as a ‘business catalyst’, well-connected and a keen networker. 

Peter is also involved with many other organisations including as a Trustee of Free@Last. Free@Last is a well established Birmingham charity committed to helping children and young people of Nechells a deprived inner city area in Birmingham.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermadkins/

Dr Richard Fallon is the Chair of Starting Point Recruitment, co-Director of the Technology Supply Chain, co-founder of the Innovation Awards and owner of the Marketing Engineer.

In his role as Chair of SPR, Richard supports the board in setting and implementing the company’s direction and strategy in line with its core values. SPR connects companies with talent in the West Midlands. As we donate 100% of our profits to charity, we offer amazing value to our clients while supporting charities in the West Midlands. Working with Steps to Work, we deliver over £779,600 of social impact per week.

Richard is also the co-director of the Technology Supply Chain, a membership for West Midlands manufacturing, engineering and technology companies. The TSC is a Community Interest Company that connects its members with grants, fully funded support, and new opportunities. Our aim is to create a golden age in the West Midlands. Most of our members are looking to recruit and we connect them to SPR.

Richard is also the co-founder of the Innovation Awards which recognises, rewards and celebrates the individuals, companies and organisations dedicated to innovation. He also supports companies with their marketing through the Marketing Engineer.