I have more than twenty years’ experience in leadership in Catholic state secondary schools, Catholic multi academy trusts and Catholic charities. I am an English teacher by training. That was my first love, professionally speaking. But then comes the ‘tap on the shoulder’ and before you know it, you’re in management, running an English Department, drowning in paperwork, but having an impact on a bigger scale. I got the leadership bug. My step into headship came in 2002. We had three young boys at that time and it was tough, to be honest. The school needed a lot of work, but it was very satisfying when everybody started to pull together, the school turned around, and the pupils looked and sounded happier because they were getting a better education. 

When it comes to talking about leadership in a Catholic school, I’ve walked the talk. I was a headteacher for 14 years in total, moving on to a bigger school for a second headship and then a spell of executive headship running two schools. In that period, I was a National Leader in Education and, for two years, an Ofsted inspector. In 2016, it was time for the proverbial ‘new challenge’. I had taken the school as far I could. We had consecutive Outstanding grades from Ofsted and the diocese, opened a new sixth form, and embedded a culture where young people could flourish. I moved on to spend some time working with Catholic independent schools before another tap of the shoulder – and tug of the heart – and I became CEO of one of the biggest Catholic MATs in England at the time, and there was some work to do there as well.

Starting with a reanimated vision, mission and clear Gospel values, we set about making the necessary changes and now the MAT is flourishing. After an enjoyable year with a MAT in London, I changed sector (that tap on the shoulder again) and became the CEO of Caritas Social Action Network, the agency of the Bishops’ Conference which is dedicated to challenging poverty and injustice in England and Wales. In this most recent phase of my career, I have learned a great deal about leadership in the Catholic charity sector and deepened my understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, or perhaps more to the point, Catholic Social Action. 

I’ve written a few books, which you’ll find on here. I love writing, as well as teaching. My books are about leadership, especially in a Catholic setting. I’ve co-authored a book about what it’s like to work in a Catholic school which has proved very popular with new staff. I’ve enjoyed writing books of prayers which can be used in school, or by parish groups. I really like working with other people on creative projects, whether that’s writing or planning a day’s INSET for a school. When you work together, things happen that you didn’t expect. In this new phase of my career, working as a freelance consultant, I’m looking forward to working with old friends in schools, parishes and charities but also meeting new friends, perhaps in business, where I can bring my experience of leadership and a values-led approach to organisational development. 

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, especially theology and poetry. I like music, movies and walking along a beach with my wife Janet. She’s an artist-maker and we’ve been married for thirty years. We have three boys, now in their twenties, who have more or less left home, but we’re always here for them. I was brought up in the east end of Greenock, Scotland, by decent, hard-working humble Catholic parents. The more I look back the more I see how they shaped my values. I believe passionately in social justice and compassion, in family, in seeing people grow and develop, especially our young people. 

In the 2022 New Year Honours List, I was humbled and delighted to be awarded an OBE for services to education. An award I gladly dedicate to my family and everybody I’ve ever worked with in education. It’s been an extraordinary journey and it’s far from over yet. 

If you think we could work together, please get in touch. You’ll find some exemplars on here of my typical talks, but these really are just suggestions. Every keynote or workshop is bespoke for the audience in front of me, attentive to their needs, seeking to inspire and motivate them for the mission.