1. Simon Leslie CATFORD FCIPD
18 Shepherds Way, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7HF
slcatford@outlook.com Mobile: 07801 172306
PERSONAL SUMMARY
Highly experienced Board Director operating at a strategic level in Human Resources, Health
& Safety, Sustainability, Environmental Compliance, Risk Management, Corporate
Governance and Business Management Systems. Has led and delivered major change
management programs and Enterprise platforms. Recognised industry spokesperson on
skills, development and sector attractiveness. Current employer widely regarded as UK
market leader in renewable energy and recycling industry.
Seeking to transition to portfolio of Non-Executive roles. Relevant experience includes:
{Remunerated Role}
Non-Executive Director of Energy and Utility Skills Ltd – 2008 to date
Sector Skills Council for the Gas, Power, Waste and Water industries. 88 company
memberships; turnover of circa £10m; 85 employees operating in four UK nations.
Chairman of Remuneration and Nomination Committees; led the appointments of new
Chief Executive, Finance Director, COO and Chairman; implemented LTIP for Board.
{Pro bono Roles}
Non-Executive Director of Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
(IEMA) – September 2016 to date
International professional membership (circa 15,000 members worldwide) organisation
promoting environmental sustainability in business. Chairman of Nominations Committee.
Chairman of Pennon Defined Contribution Pension Trustee Ltd – 2014 to date
Occupational (Defined Contribution) pension scheme for Pennon Group. Total
membership 2,500 with assets of circa £45m. Chairman since scheme inception.
Director of Pennon Group Pension Scheme Ltd – 2007 to date
Occupational (Defined Benefit) pension scheme for Pennon Group. Total membership
4,000 with assets of circa £600m.
Director of Citrus Pension Scheme Ltd – 2011 to date
Multi-employer pension scheme with DB and DC offerings. 30 employers; total
membership 5,500 with assets of circa £330m.
Director & Trustee of Viridor Credits Environmental Company Ltd – 2013 to date
Distributive Environmental Body under the Landfill Community Fund. 12 employees
distributing circa £11m pa to registered charitable organisations across the UK.
Chairman of WISKI (Waste Industry Skills Initiative) – 2007 to date
Sector-wide skills Working Group focusing on skills policy and delivery.
Chairman of Industry Sector Assurance and Assessment Panel – 2014 to date
Sector-wide skills Panel Group focusing on skills assurance and assessment.
Director of Business in the Community (BitC) South Western Regional Board
One of the Princes Charities ensuring businesses operate responsibly and ethically.
2. {Other}
Court Assistant to the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators – 2015 to date
Board member of Livery Company serving on Finance and General Purposes
Committee. Liveryman since 2012.
Freeman of the City of London – 2012 to date
Honorary Freedom.
CAREER HISTORY
1995 – date: VIRIDOR Ltd (Pennon Group Plc FTSE250)
One of UK’s leading renewable energy, recycling and resource management businesses.
Turnover £850million; EBITDA £135m; 3,200 employees. Operates across UK. Extensive
investments (c. £2bn) in new technology (6 new energy recovery plants since 2014). Highly
acquisitive with impressive double-digit growth, has secured major contracts with beacon
Local Authorities including Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority, South London
Waste Partnership and Glasgow City Council.
2010 – date: HR & Regulatory Director
Executive Board Director of Viridor Ltd (holding company for Viridor Group). Additional
responsibility for sustainability, risk management, environmental compliance, employee
engagement, energy and carbon efficiency. Led and delivered major change management
programmes and business re-engineering designed to transform culture and customer
focus in tough global trading conditions. Supported Enterprise (ERP) programmes through
incisive people strategy. Repopulated Executive Director Board including Finance,
Commercial, Engineering, Operations and ICT Directors. Established Executive
Management Board and Senior Leadership Teams. Latterly delivered major strategic cost
reduction programme.
2005 – 2010: Director of Human Resources
Set strategy, directed and delivered all HR, H&S, Training & Development processes for
Viridor Group. Led and directed acquisition teams (c. 2-3 acquisitions per year). TUPE
and change management expert. Led negotiations with Trade Unions with track record of
effective and robust industrial relations. Acted as a key interface between Viridor and
Pennon parent. Regularly worked with Pennon Main Board shaping and delivering
strategy and people development. Acted as Pensions Trustee on three scheme Boards.
1995 – 2005: Personnel and H&S Manager
Responsible for establishing and delivering Personnel and H&S systems in rapidly-
growing organisation. Secured ISO14001 registrations. Subsequently developed Viridor
business management systems.
1991 – 1995: BLUE CIRCLE INDUSTRIES Plc
Personnel & Administration Manager
Developed and implemented a wide range of business services in subsidiary of major UK
plc. Oversaw sale and integration of operating division into Viridor (see above). Secured
ISO 9001 registrations.
3. 1987 – 1991: ICI AGROCHEMICALS Ltd
Site Services Manager
Responsible for facilities management at international HQ of ICI’s Agrochemical Division
in West Sussex.
1978 – 1987: Various roles in SME type businesses
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Fellow of Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development
Fellow of Institute of Directors
Member of International Institute of Risk Management
Associate of Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Impressive range of professional and personal development courses during career including
Ashridge, Coverdale, Pensions Regulator and NEBOSH programmes
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
A summary of experience and achievements over working career is attached
PERSONAL
Married with two adult daughters
Interests: overseas travel, motorsport and gardening
Ex School Governor and Parish Councillor
REFERENCES
Available on request
