Celebrating Trustees’ Week: An Insight into the Role of Brian Walsh OBE, Chair of the Board at Alternative Futures Group

Trustees’ Week shines a light on the dedication, passion, and impact of Trustees across the UK who work to lead organisations like Alternative Futures Group (AFG) toward meaningful change.

At AFG, our Board of Trustees plays an instrumental role in shaping our journey, with our Chair, Brian Walsh OBE, leading the Board to fulfil its duties and responsibilities. With a strong background in health and social care and the charity sector, Brian has helped AFG navigate challenges and create lasting positive impacts in the lives of people we support. Here’s a closer look at Brian’s journey, insights, and vision for AFG.

Brian’s Career Journey and Experience

Brian began his career in 1982 as a trainee social worker in Derbyshire. In 2009, Brian joined Coventry City Council as the Executive Director of Community Services, a position he held until 2015. Brian has previously chaired the Board of KeyRing (a national charity for people with learning disabilities) and served as Chair of Camphill Village Trust for six years. Currently, he is also a Non-Executive Director of Home Group, a large housing association.

In 2015, Brian was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of his services to social care and the charity sector – an achievement which he described as “an enormous honour”.

With a strong dedication and commitment to social care, Brian’s expertise is rooted in supporting vulnerable individuals with complex needs—a skill set he has applied in his role as Chair of the Board of Trustees at AFG since joining in 2021. “Working in social services,” Brian shares, “gives you a comprehensive understanding of the complexity involved in caring for people with diverse needs. AFG’s work is complex, and I’m grateful to bring this background and expertise to our efforts.”

Brian was born with Spina Bifida – a condition that occurs when a baby’s spine and spinal cord does not develop properly, causing a gap in the spine. However, Brian does not consider this an obstacle in his personal or professional life. His approach to challenges—personal or professional—are reflective of the resilience and dedication he brings to his role.

AFG is a dynamic organisation, and as Chair, Brian’s previous leadership roles have allowed him to appreciate both the strategic and operational sides of running a large charity. “I’ve been a Chair before,” he says, “and that experience taught me the importance of clear goals and a commitment to positive change, which enable us to achieve our strategic ambition as a charity.”

Leading the Board of Trustees During Transformative Times

For Brian, serving as Chair at AFG is a source of great pride and responsibility. “AFG faced significant financial challenges around 2020, but since then, we’ve been able to turn the organisation around and achieve steady growth. Being able to look back and see how we’ve stabilised and grown is extremely rewarding,” he explains. However, he emphasises that growth should never lead to complacency. Instead, it calls for renewed dedication to ensuring that AFG continues to adapt and evolve.

Central to Brian’s responsibilities is promoting good governance and ensuring that AFG operates with effective management practices. Additionally, as Chair, Brian often acts as a spokesperson for AFG, engaging with stakeholders and serving as an advocate for the great work that we do across our Learning Disability and Mental Health Divisions.

“It’s important to work with people at all levels of the organisation to hear their opinions and have some debate about how we move forward,” Brian shares, underscoring his collaborative approach, which encourages a shared vision throughout AFG.

What does Brian’s role as Chair of the Board of Trustees involve?

Brian’s role as Chair involves overseeing AFG’s strategic direction and ensuring alignment with the Executive Team. He leads Board meetings, catches up regularly with our senior leaders, and participates in uMatter Walkabout meetings at AFG services and properties. A significant part of his work includes ensuring that AFG meets strict regulatory standards, from CQC guidelines to compliance with Health and Safety Law. But his role is about more than oversight; it’s about embodying AFG’s values and serving as an example for others across the organisation.

“Being legally responsible for AFG’s practices is a tremendous responsibility,” Brian shares, “and as a voluntary role, it’s something I do in my own time, out of commitment to our mission and purpose.”

Finding Reward and Challenge in the Role of Chair

As Chair, Brian finds fulfilment in seeing the growth of AFG’s Trustees and leadership team. “I see Trustees and our Executive Team develop not only in their professional roles, but also as people. That growth is amazing to see,” he says.

One of the challenges of being Chair, Brian says, is finding a balance between overseeing AFG’s strategic direction and not becoming too involved in day-to-day management. “The role is about asking the right questions, listening to feedback, and directing the charity toward its mission.”

Working with the Executive Team Toward AFG’s Success

Brian works closely with Ian, AFG’s Chief Executive, meeting monthly to review progress and set objectives. “As Ian’s line manager, I complete his performance appraisal and delegate powers to him, ensuring that any agreed actions cascade down through the Executive Team,” Brian explains. This collaborative approach ensures that the entire team is aligned with AFG’s mission to Positively Impact More Lives.

Touchpoints with the Senior Leadership Team and our frontline colleagues are also essential to Brian, who believes in the importance of listening and engaging with people on the ground. “Hearing directly from our teams about their challenges and achievements helps us stay connected to the heart of AFG’s work, and ensures that we make the right decisions about the future of AFG,” he shares.

AFG’s ‘Great Place To Work®’ Certification: A Proud Achievement

In October 2024, AFG was Certified as a Great Place To Work®, a testament to the organisation’s commitment to fostering a positive work environment. Brian describes this as a calculated investment: “It was a significant risk—a multi-million-pound investment by the Board of Trustees—but without taking risks, there’s no room for growth. We’re in a solid financial position, and this investment has paid off by enabling us to further our mission to Positively Impact More Lives.”

Recognising the Contributions of our Trustees

As we celebrate Trustees’ Week, we’re proud to recognise the remarkable impact Brian and our Board of Trustees have on our organisation. Their commitment ensures that AFG continues to thrive, supporting people to achieve amazing things, every day. Thank you to all of our Trustees who give their time, expertise, and passion to make a positive difference.