Alan Smith

Alan lives in London Borough of Lewisham and served as a Councillor in Lewisham from 1998 until 2022, focusing on environmental and planning issues.  He was the Chair of the Environmental Sustainability committee, the ordinary and strategic planning committees and standards committee. From 2010 to 2018 he was Deputy Mayor and cabinet member for regeneration and economic development. Alan has developed extensive skills in dealing with both the public and private sectors having met with developers, employers, GLA members, council leaders from across London, MPs and the occasional minister.  

Alan’s relationship with Groundwork began in 2002 when he was nominated to the board of The Groundwork Trust, Thames Gateway South, he has remained an active member through the re-organisations to the present time. His present nomination to the Groundwork London Board happened in February 2012.

“My route into Groundwork started in the late 1960’s. I left home at 16 and served an apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer, when manufacturing in Birmingham collapsed in the early 70’s I moved to London and, along with 3 friends, walked straight into a rental scam and became homeless. I spent 18 months living in squats, abandoned cars, shop doorways and the odd night with the street drinkers under the Westway (near where GWL has a project) I was finally rescued by newly founded charity Shelter. I promised myself then that when I could I would return the favour, a favour that probably saved my life. My role as Chair of Lewisham’s environment committee gave me a seat on the board of a small London Groundwork trust, and quite quickly I realised that this was where I wanted to be, what they were offering was a long term fix, not a quick but essential rescue. I sometimes think the GW strapline should read Changing Lives, Making Lives.”