Stephen was a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and has had a 30-year executive career as a Finance Director and CFO in financial services. He has considerable board and governance experience across the private, public, and voluntary sectors, with previous board roles including Chair of Octavia, Chair of the Independent Living Fund, Vice Chair of Anchor Hanover, board member of Golden Lane Housing and Trustee of Royal Mencap Society. In 2014 Stephen received an OBE for services to disabled people.