Scunthorpe Neighbourhood Board

Alan Downey – Chair of NHS Humber Health Partnership

Humber Health Partnership has announced the appointment of Alan Downey as its new substantive Chair, strengthening leadership as the organisation moves into the next phase of stabilisation and improvement.

Alan has previously served as Chair of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Chair of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he led boards through periods of significant improvement and transformation with a focus on patient safety and service quality.

In addition to his NHS roles, Alan has chaired a mental health partnership board for Surrey County Council and served as a trustee and chair of several charities. Earlier in his career he spent eight years in the civil service before joining professional services firm KPMG, where he went on to lead the firm’s public sector practice, advising government departments, universities, police forces, NHS trusts and local authorities.

Alan Downey, incoming Chair of Humber Health Partnership, said: “It is a privilege to be appointed as Chair of Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust. I know that the Humber Health Partnership faces significant challenges, but I am encouraged by the honesty with which those challenges are now being addressed.

Alex Seale – North Lincolnshire NHS Place Director

Alex joined NHS North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group as its Chief Operating Officer in November 2019. She has a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree and a Master’s Degree.

A hospital clinical pharmacist by background, Alex’s 30-year career in the NHS spans senior management roles in hospital and community, health care commissioning and joint commissioning with local authorities.

She has a strong track record of delivery in executive leadership roles and has been responsible for delivering major multi agency transformation and service review programmes which have delivered improved service outcomes.

Alex also has a leadership role across the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership as the senior responsible officer for the elective programme across the Partnership and primary care for the Humber. Alex’s collaborative approach and strong leadership skills have brought together commissioning leads across the Partnership to deliver at scale approaches to service improvement.

Allan Bell- Interim Chief Executive: British Steel

Allan Bell serves as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of British Steel, appointed in April 2025 to provide stable and experienced leadership during a pivotal period for the organisation and its Scunthorpe operations. His appointment reflects the requirement for consistent executive oversight as the company navigates an intensive phase of operational and strategic intervention. Prior to assuming this role, Allan held the position of Chief Commercial Officer, drawing on more than 14 years of service.

Mr Bell’s tenure is marked by a clear commitment to ensuring a secure and sustainable future for British Steel’s production capabilities. He has played an instrumental role in sustaining operations through recent challenges, including periods of significant uncertainty regarding material supply and site continuity. His direction forms a critical component of the UK’s broader strategy to preserve domestic steelmaking capacity, particularly at the Scunthorpe facility, which contains the country’s last remaining blast furnaces capable of producing virgin steel from raw materials.

Alison Barker- Chief Executive: North Lincolnshire Council

Alison Barker is the Chief Executive of North Lincolnshire Council, providing strategic leadership across the authority and overseeing the delivery of hundreds of essential services to residents and communities. She leads the council’s Senior Leadership Team and holds corporate responsibility for organisational performance, service transformation, and long‑term strategic outcomes.

Alison brings extensive experience from senior roles across health, social care and local government. She is committed to strengthening North Lincolnshire’s communities and ensuring that council services support residents “from birth to later life.” Her leadership emphasises evidence based decision making, organisational learning and strong partnership working, demonstrated through membership of the Health and Wellbeing Board, helping to shape collaborative approaches to community health and wellbeing. Her focus on inclusive, resilient and effective public services underpins her work across the council and the wider public sector landscape.

Cllr Andrea Davison: Councillor for Ashby Ward

Cllr Andrea Davison is the Labour councillor for Ashby Central and the Deputy Leader of the Labour Group on North Lincolnshire Council, where she plays a substantive leadership role in shaping group priorities and representing residents’ interests in the council chamber. She has had an active portfolio across key committees including Cabinet, Planning, Audit, Governance and Place Scrutiny, and full Council, ensuring rigorous oversight, transparent decision‑making, and a persistent focus on outcomes that strengthen community wellbeing. Grounded in engagement, her political work centres on championing local voices, guiding residents through complex systems, and translating community priorities into practical action that benefits Ashby Central and the wider North Lincolnshire community.

As Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, Andrea plays a significant leadership role within the council, supporting policy development, coordinating group priorities, and ensuring that the concerns of residents inform the Labour Group’s strategic direction. She approaches her responsibilities with a strong commitment to fairness and representation, consistently prioritising the needs of the community and advocating for residents.

Andrea’s work is shaped by an enduring dedication to strengthening the connection between local government and the people it serves. Her professional experience, combined with her active role in council leadership, reflects not only technical skill but a sincere commitment to ensuring that local decisions are fair, transparent, and centred on community wellbeing. Guided by a strong sense of social responsibility, she continues to champion resident voices, support community resilience, and work tirelessly toward better outcomes for the people of Ashby Central and North Lincolnshire as a whole.

Awaiting profile information

Dan Brown- Vice Principal for Higher Education: DN Colleges group

Daniel Bown is an accomplished senior leader in Higher Education and currently serves as the Vice Principal for Higher Education at DN Colleges Group, a role he has held since August 2025. His progression within the organisation reflects his sustained commitment to enhancing the quality, reach, and strategic direction of college‑based higher education. Prior to his current position, Daniel held several influential roles within the Group, including Assistant Principal for Higher Education (2024–2025) and Director of the Institute of Technology & Higher Technical Education (2023–2024). In these posts, he played a central role in developing cross‑college initiatives, strengthening industry engagement, and supporting the establishment of the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology.

Daniel brings extensive expertise across a wide spectrum of educational development areas. His professional strengths include Higher Education curriculum design, Department for Education project bidding, and the creation and implementation of Higher Technical Qualifications. He has been instrumental in aligning education programmes with employer and industry needs across a diverse range of disciplines, including engineering, bioscience, health and social care, construction, digital technology, and the creative arts. His work in shaping strategic leadership, quality enhancement, and regulatory compliance continues to influence the broader landscape of college‑based higher education.

Daniel’s work continues to shape the evolution of higher education across DN Colleges Group, not only through academic leadership but also through his commitment to community‑centred transformation. He is recognised for championing collaborative partnerships that strengthen connections between the College, local employers, and the wider region, ensuring that educational pathways genuinely support the social and economic growth of the communities the Group serves.

Superintendent Doug Blackwood, Humberside Police

Superintendent Doug Blackwood is a senior and widely respected officer within Humberside Police, recognised for his leadership across neighbourhood policing, digital innovation, and investigative development. He currently serves as a Superintendent with responsibility for Neighbourhood Policing across key areas including Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Scunthorpe Urban, Scunthorpe South, and Rural North under the South Bank Command. In this strategic role, he supports frontline teams in delivering high quality, community centred policing and contributes actively to local safety partnerships.

Doug Blackwood has developed a national reputation for integrating technology into policing and strengthening investigative standards. His leadership has been central to advancing digital tools within UK law enforcement, particularly through his work supporting the NPCC National Burglary Portfolio. Doug has shared his expertise through professional webinars and public facing demonstrations, emphasising how data driven processes can identify crime trends and bolster proactive policing. His professional background also includes academic development. He studied at the University of Cambridge, strengthening his analytical and investigative expertise.

Alongside his operational responsibilities, Doug is an active community focused senior leader, supporting initiatives that improve engagement with young people and strengthen trust between policing and local communities. He has participated in programmes delivered by The Peel Project, meeting youth groups and emphasising the importance of accessible, responsive neighbourhood policing. His leadership reflects a belief that policing is intrinsically part of the community it serves and that strong engagement helps shape safer, more informed neighbourhoods.

Dr Faisel Baig, GP and a Medical Director in NHS England

Dr Faisel Baig is a distinguished North Lincolnshire GP and senior NHS leader, widely recognised for his commitment to strengthening primary care and improving community health outcomes across the region. Growing up and being educated in North Lincolnshire before completing his medical degree at Manchester Medical School, Faisel went on to train as a GP on the South Manchester Vocational Training Scheme, ultimately returning to serve the community that shaped him.

Faisel has built a broad and influential portfolio within the NHS including his current role as a medical director in NHS England. As Chair of the NHS North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group from 2018 to the closure of CCCs in 2022, he led significant clinical programmes, including unplanned care, mental health, dementia support, and the redesign of community services. His previous roles have extended across multiple tiers of healthcare, serving as a Specialist Advisor to the Care Quality Commission, and an examiner, tutor and admissions interviewer at the University of Sheffield Medical School. Through these positions, Faisel has contributed to quality improvement, professional development, and enhanced clinical governance both locally and nationally.

Faisel is also deeply involved in broader civic leadership. Notably, he served as Chair of the North Lincolnshire Towns Fund Board, where he supported long-term regeneration, economic development, and community investment initiatives aimed at strengthening local resilience and shaping the region’s future growth. His appointment to the position reflected both his respected leadership style and his longstanding dedication to public service in North Lincolnshire.

Leo Hammond: Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Humberside

Leo Hammond serves as the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) for the Humberside Police force area, appointed in August 2024 following unanimous approval from the Police and Crime Panel. In this senior role, he works closely alongside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison to strengthen community engagement, enhance public confidence, and expand the capacity of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) to address local priorities effectively. His appointment reflects his longstanding commitment to public service and his deep understanding of community needs across both rural and urban parts of the region.

As Deputy PCC, Hammond’s remit is broad and strategically significant. He works to expand the OPCC’s presence across the community, support the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan, and strengthen collaboration between the public, voluntary and private sectors. His role enhances the Commissioner’s capacity to respond to emerging issues, engage directly with residents and partners, and amplify community voices in policing priorities.

Before taking up the deputy role, Hammond built a substantial record of local leadership as the ward councillor for Wolds Weighton in the East Riding of Yorkshire, a position he continues to hold. His cabinet responsibilities for Planning, Communities and Public Protection further strengthened his experience in overseeing complex portfolios, working collaboratively with local partners, and ensuring the delivery of services aligned to the Nolan Principles of public life. His professional reputation is grounded in integrity, clear communication, and a demonstrated ability to work constructively with residents, agencies and elected members.

Lesley Potts: Director of Communities, North Lincolnshire Council

Lesley Potts is a senior public sector leader serving as the Director of Communities at North Lincolnshire Council, a position she has held since 2023. In this role, she provides strategic oversight and direction across a broad portfolio of community-focused services, contributing to the delivery of place‑based outcomes and organisational priorities. Her professional trajectory reflects extensive experience in place‑shaping, growth, and the management of complex cross‑cutting programmes.

Her leadership has been formally recognised for its clarity of purpose and strong values base. In 2025, she was commended by IMPOWER as a “Hero of 2025”, highlighting her role in leading a significant transformation of Leisure and Culture Services.

Michelle Harness (Vice Chair): Chairwoman: Scunthorpe United Football Club

Michelle Harness is the Chairwoman of Scunthorpe United Football Club and a highly regarded community leader within North Lincolnshire. Her career has been closely intertwined with the club for more than two decades, reflecting a deep professional and personal commitment to its future. She served as Scunthorpe United’s Commercial Manager for over fifteen years before spending a further seven years as a director within her family’s structural engineering business, North Lincs Structures. Michelle later returned to the club as a board member and, in 2023, completed the takeover of Scunthorpe United at a time when the organisation faced significant financial uncertainty and operational instability.

Since assuming the position of Chairwoman, Michelle has led the club through a period of substantial recovery and renewal. Press coverage has credited her with guiding the Iron “back from the brink,” stabilising internal operations, and supporting improved performance on the pitch during one of the most challenging periods in the club’s history. Her leadership has been defined by a clear strategic vision, a steady approach to crisis management, and an unwavering commitment to restoring long-term stability.

Community advocacy sits at the heart of Michelle’s work. She has consistently emphasised the club’s responsibility to support local people during periods of wider economic difficulty, notably acknowledging the challenges facing residents affected by uncertainty in the steel industry. In official communications, Michelle has reinforced the importance of unity, resilience, and the club’s duty to stand with its supporters through both sporting and social challenges. Her involvement also extends beyond football, including participation in youth-focused initiatives such as careers events that introduce young people to opportunities in engineering and construction, fields with strong ties to her family’s professional background.

Through her stewardship of Scunthorpe United and her wider civic engagement, Michelle has become a central figure in the town’s ongoing regeneration. She embodies a leadership ethos grounded in responsibility, community solidarity, and a long-term commitment to strengthening both the football club and the people it represents.

Paul Fursey: Phillips 66

Paul Fursey serves Vice President, UK Lead Executive Humber Refinery for Phillips 66, providing strategic leadership to one of the nation’s most significant energy assets and overseeing operations at the Humber Refinery. His career with the company spans more than three decades, beginning in 1994 when he joined the Humber Refinery as a graduate engineer. Over the years he has progressed through a broad range of technical, operational, strategic and optimisation roles, reflecting his deep expertise in the downstream refining sector and his long-standing commitment to the organisation and the region.

His professional experience includes senior leadership assignments both in the United Kingdom and the United States, including work within Phillips 66’s corporate headquarters in Houston and later as Operations Manager at the Los Angeles Refinery. In his current position he leads a workforce of over 1,000 employees and contractors, guiding the refinery’s regional and national economic contribution and its strategic alignment within Philips 66 and with national energy security, growth and Net Zero ambitions.

Paul plays an integral role in shaping Phillips 66’s long term investment strategy. His leadership has supported major corporate decisions designed to enhance energy security and ensure continued economic benefit for the Humber region. In January 2026 he affirmed the company’s commitment to protecting high quality employment and strengthening operations through the acquisition and integration of the Lindsey Oil Refinery assets. This acquisition, couple with a separate £200 million project at the Refinery, consolidates capability and secures future growth.

Separately, Paul has been recognised in the Insider’s list of the 100 most mot influential people in the Yorkshire and Humber.

Sir Nic Dakin- Member of Parliament for Scunthorpe

Sir Nicholas (Nic) Dakin is a highly respected public servant and educational leader with an extensive career spanning national politics, local government, and community-focused service. A long‑standing member of the Labour Party, he currently serves as the Member of Parliament for Scunthorpe, a seat he previously held from 2010 to 2019 before being re‑elected in 2024. In September 2025, he was appointed Vice‑Chamberlain of the Household, following earlier ministerial responsibilities including Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of Youth Justice and Junior Lord of the Treasury. His contributions to public life were formally recognised when he was knighted in the 2020 Birthday Honours for political service.

Beyond Westminster, Sir Nic has built a strong legacy in education and local leadership. A former teacher of English in Sweden and later at John Leggott College in Scunthorpe, he went on to become the institution’s Principal, significantly shaping the educational landscape for young people across North Lincolnshire. He previously served as Leader of North Lincolnshire Council from 1997 to 2003, and his strategic leadership helped drive local policy and community priorities during a period of regional development. He holds a BA in History from the University of Hull and a PGCE from King’s College London.

Sir Nic continues to contribute meaningfully to local communities through his governance and advisory roles. He is a trustee of Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Healthcare (North Lincolnshire).

Nic has lived in Scunthorpe for 40 years, bringing up his family here.

Steve Colakovic- Emergency Response Manager: Humberside Fire and Rescue Service

Steve Colakovic is a senior leader within Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS), currently serving as the Emergency Response Manager for North and North East Lincolnshire. In this role, Steve holds responsibility for the full spectrum of operational response across the region, overseeing a diverse portfolio of fire stations including one mixed Full Time/On Call station, two Full Time stations and nine on Call stations. His remit covers the leadership, coordination, and effectiveness of emergency response teams serving these communities.

Building on a long career within the Service, Steve has progressed through several operational and supervisory roles. His move from Watch Manager at Epworth Fire Station into a full‑time Station Manager position in Emergency Preparedness reflects a natural continuation of his professional development and the increasing scope of his responsibilities within the organisation.

Throughout his time with Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, Steve has remained focused on supporting effective emergency response and contributing to the Service’s wider aims. His leadership within North and North East Lincolnshire plays a consistent role in helping ensure safe, reliable provision for the communities served by the region’s network of fire stations