Governance
Groundwork West Midlands is a registered charity governed by a board of trustees. If you require more information on the West Midlands board of trustees please contact Andrew.Thompson@groundwork.org.uk
Our Company Registration is No. 06823225and our Charity Registration is No. 1128858
Annual reports for Groundwork West Midlands can be viewed via the Companies House website here.
The Board of Trustees
Anne-Marie Simpson
I have served as Chair of Groundwork West Midlands for the past six years, driven by a strong belief in the voluntary sector’s vital role in community regeneration. With a 27-year career in the public sector—including senior roles in local and national government and as Head of Midlands for the Homes and Communities Agency—I have led large-scale housing and regeneration programmes across the region. My experience spans project and programme management, investment planning, and public-private collaboration. Alongside my public sector work, I am also a local entrepreneur, having founded Simpson Bar in Sutton Coldfield and Tem Legs Spirits Company, pursuing a long-held passion for creative business ventures.
Ian Priest
I joined the Groundwork West Midlands Board seven years ago, bringing over three decades of banking and finance experience to support the charity during a time of financial challenge. My background includes senior roles at Lloyds and Clydesdale Bank, founding my own consultancy, and serving on several regional boards including the Institute of Directors and Worcestershire LEP. I’m proud to have helped strengthen Groundwork’s financial stability, ensuring a solid foundation for future growth. It’s a privilege to support the charity’s vital work in improving lives and communities across the West Midlands.
Lyndon Campbell
I have served on the Groundwork West Midlands Board for two years and currently chair the Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and HR Committee. As a qualified DEI practitioner with experience across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, I’m passionate about creating inclusive environments and driving meaningful change. I currently work as UK Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at HomeServe and have spent much of my career supporting vulnerable communities. One of my proudest achievements is leading the Aspiring Professionals Programme, which significantly increased representation of Black and Asian talent. I’m proud to support Groundwork’s mission to build healthier, more resilient and inclusive communities across the West Midlands.
Philip Farrell
With over 20 years’ experience in commercial property, specialising in development, regeneration and public sector consultancy across the Midlands, I am a Chartered Surveyor who has worked with both private consultancies and public bodies, including Solihull Council and Homes England. I’m particularly proud of my role in the regeneration of Bilston Urban Village, transforming a former wasteland into a thriving, sustainable community. Since joining the Board of Groundwork West Midlands in 2022, I’ve been inspired by the team’s work tackling deprivation and worklessness through environmental projects that empower local people. It’s a privilege to support their impact from a governance level.