NON-EXECUTIVE BOARD
MEET OUR NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Our non-executive directors provide an independent oversight regarding how the company is run. Their role is to provide a creative contribution and objective criticism to discussions with the Senior Management Team. They also contribute to the development strategy of the services provided by Direct Mediation Services, but not to the day-to-day running of the company.
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MR PETER WREN
Chair
A dedicated educator and leader, Peter began his career journey as a History graduate from the University of Bristol, later obtaining a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Liverpool. His initial years were invested in teaching at comprehensive schools.
Transitioning from the classroom, Peter took on the mantle of curriculum development, firstly with a Local Education Authority TVEI scheme and subsequently for a Regional Advisory Council. This experience served as a foundation for what would become a remarkable two-decade leadership tenure. As Chief Executive/Executive Director, Peter provided strategic direction to several awarding organisations, including CENTRA, ABC Awards, VTCT, Gatehouse Awards, and ESB.
In retirement Peter has chaired the IWFM Awarding Organisation for six years, further cementing his legacy in the educational realm. On a personal note, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning, Peter recently achieved Level 1 proficiency in British Sign Language.
MR PAUL PHILBERT MBE
Non-Executive Board
A prodigious talent from a young age, Paul Philbert began his musical journey at the prestigious Purcell School, exploring various instruments before finding his true calling in timpani and percussion. He furthered his studies at the Trinity College of Music, London, and subsequently carved out a distinguished career, performing with renowned orchestras worldwide including the BBC Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, and Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Notably, Paul became the founding Principal Timpanist of the Chineke! Orchestra, Europe’s pioneering majority Black, Asian, and Ethnically Diverse ensemble. Beyond performing, Paul’s dedication to education is very clear in that he has been a timpani tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, held leadership roles with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and sits on boards for esteemed institutions like the Association of British Orchestras. Recognised for his immense contributions, Paul was honoured with an MBE in 2020. Paul has sat on the non-executive board for The Intelligent Solutions Group Ltd for 3 years.
MS RACHEL SEABRIGHT
Non-Executive Board
Rachel graduated from the Open University in law. She has carved a diverse career path anchored in advocacy, rights, and governance. She initiated her journey assisting Members of Parliament in constituent casework, a foundational experience that propelled her into rights-based roles with the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Refugee Council. Leveraging her expertise, Rachel specialised in immigration law for a decade before pioneering her own practice.
In her senior managerial role within the Corporate Affairs department of a prominent NHS Trust, Rachel has deepened her understanding of governance, translating this acumen to her role on the board. Her solution-oriented mindset, coupled with her extensive experience, facilitates person-centred and sustainable outcomes, addressing varied societal challenges. Exemplifying her commitment to social justice, Rachel serves on the board of ‘Changing Our Lives’, a charity steadfastly challenging health inequalities and social injustice and is a local councillor.
MR BRIAN EGAN
Non-Executive Board
With an M.S. from Pepperdine University and a BS from San Jose State University, Brian founded Clarity Mediation and Facilitation LLC in 1999. His 26-year stint at Hewlett-Packard honed his skills in organisational development and team dynamics. A certified mediator and facilitator, he has adeptly managed almost 3000 mediation cases since 2001, even handling international disputes. Serving as a securities Arbitrator for FINRA since 2008, he is an active board member at the Academy of Professional Family Mediators and The Intelligent Solutions Group Ltd. Brian’s contributions to mediation have been recognised with the OMA’s Spirit of Mediation Award in 2019. He is also a Vietnam-era US Air Force veteran.
MR ALAN COTTON
Non-Executive Board
Alan Cotton is a highly accomplished non-executive director with a wealth of experience in advising businesses on business and marketing strategy. With a BA in Business Administration, specialising in Marketing and Economics, and Honours in Marketing from Strathclyde University, Alan brings a strong educational foundation to his role. Having successfully run his own businesses for over 25 years and acted as a business advisor for more than 30 years, he has a proven track record of steering growth and facilitating effective structural change across various business sectors. Alan’s expertise and insights have been invaluable in helping organisations achieve their goals.
MR JOEL WALKER
Non-Executive Board
As our youngest board member, Joel infuses the organisation with the invaluable perspectives of Generation Z. While this is his inaugural board role, he seamlessly takes on this role alongside his accountancy profession and ongoing studies. Proudly affiliated with the Association of Accounting Technicians. Joel has been fortunate to train under the forensic accountant, Pete Con, with whom The Intelligent Solutions Group Ltd shares a robust professional bond. Joel’s unique blend of youthful insight, academic vigour, and professional association ensures we remain connected to evolving generational dynamics while upholding the highest standards in financial oversight and innovation.