Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees provides strategic direction for our organisation and ensures our activities comply with current legislation and aligns with the objects of Birmingham Settlement.
Matthew Gregson – Chair
Matthew is a partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP. In this role, Matthew advises local authorities, charities, housing associations, care providers and third sector organisations at a strategic and operational level.
Matthew has served in various roles in Birmingham and is a strong advocate for our city. He is also a trustee of a local foodbank, supporting some of the most vulnerable in our society.
From 2014 to 2017 Matthew was the Company Secretary at a global charity providing care for the elderly, and he has also been a trustee of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).
Stuart Roberts
Stuart Roberts (FCA MBA) is a Financial Director/ CFO with over 30 years’ financial, commercial, and operational experience in large and medium sized PLCs and private sector companies.
Stuart also has wide experience at both executive and non-executive level supporting the charitable, education and social enterprise sectors, including the financing and operational start-up as CFO of Fair For You CIC. He is currently a Trustee at Pioneer Housing Association and Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, and on the Finance and Resources committee of Mercian Multi Academy Trust.
Alex Ballinger
Alex is the CEO of Germain’s Wellbeing, a small mental health charity in Edgbaston. He previously worked for the Department for International Development where he ran health, education and employment projects for Syrian refugees in Jordan and Turkey, and led the UK’s development programming in Northwest Pakistan. He was later Head of the UK’s diplomatic office in Lahore. Before working in international development he served as an officer in the Royal Marines, serving twice in Afghanistan.
Alex brings experience of running large projects and working with asylum seekers and refugees, and is looking forward to helping Birmingham Settlement increase its impact amongst hard to reach communities.
Rodney Garnes
Originally from Barbados, Rodney brings extensive international experience in disaster planning, safety, and engineering, including a Master’s in Crisis and Disaster Management from Aston University. Currently an On Train Technician with Network Rail, he is also a passionate runner, hiker, and certified Living Streets (UK) walk leader, participating in events like The Great Birmingham Run and Run Barbados.
Rodney is an accomplished photographer featured by National Geographic, he actively supports community development through volunteering with organizations such as the UN I Volunteer Programme, Canal and River Trust and the Royal Voluntary Service.
Michael Burgess
Michael is a Director at Barclays, he joined as a graduate in 2004 and has worked within the Wealth Management business for the last 17 years. He provides advice to pension schemes, charities and individuals regarding the management of investments.
Michael has previously been a governor for St John’s and ST Peter’s Academy School in Ladywood, as well as a fundraising champion for St Basils and a trustee for University of First Age. Michael is looking forward to seeing first-hand the difference that the Settlement makes to local communities.
