Steve has over 30 years’ experience in social work and children’s services, and was the Director of Children’s Services for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight until April 2023.
Most recently he was elected the President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services and worked with central government on policy reforms and other national initiatives during his term, including responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, the Schools White Paper, the SEN Green Paper, and more.
Steve has contributed to a number of other national policy initiatives, including working on adoption reform, youth justice and secure children’s homes among others, chairing the Association of Directors of Children’s Services Standards, Performance and Inspection Committee, taking part in Professor Julian LeGrande’s review of Birmingham City Council’s Children’s Services in 2013 and developing the role of other Local Authorities in peer to peer support.
In recognition of his contribution to children’s services, Steve was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours (June 2018).
In February 2025, Steve was announced by the Department for Education as one of four new non-executive directors to provide independent challenge as well as support to ministers and senior leaders.
Steve enjoys running, watching football and cricket, going to the theatre and cinema and playing his electric guitar.