Governance

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.

Nikolai Attard

I’ve just completed my first year on the Board, and it stands among the top three achievements of my adult life. It’s been a real privilege to witness the space fellow trustees create for meaningful discussion — a forum where I’ve been able to discover how best to contribute and shape the perspectives I bring to the table.

My career, in its simplest form, began by caring for a friend’s houseplants and has grown into becoming a gardener for Europe’s largest conservation charity. My connection with Groundwork, however, started long before joining the Board, when I came through one of their nationally coordinated programmes — an initiative that opened doors for me and many others seeking to enter the nature sector.

That is exactly why I continue my work with Groundwork. They empower underrepresented communities with tangible resources and genuine belief. I deeply admire their values and vision, and I’m proud to play a part in the progress they continue to make year after year.

Brid Bickerton

I have built my career in marketing and communications, leading teams in fast-paced environments and delivering major projects, including the launch of Resorts World Birmingham and communications during large-scale digital transformation programmes.

I am passionate about making communications clear, creative and purposeful — helping organisations simplify complexity, bring people together and tell stories that genuinely connect.

I joined Groundwork West Midlands because of its commitment to people and place. Supporting a charity that creates visible change in communities — from opening opportunities for young people to developing green, welcoming spaces — is both inspiring and meaningful.

While I am proud of leading high-profile launches, my most rewarding moments as a Trustee come from seeing the real impact of our work: hearing community stories, watching projects flourish and celebrating the confidence and achievements of the team.