Board Of Management
David Allen
ChairmanFor the past 16 years I have been privileged to work with an outstanding team and to see the Society prosper in a fiercely competitive market. The creativity and dedication of the team together with a commitment to deliver a first rate product to the members, is at the heart of this success. Plans are in hand to continue this exciting growth into the future and I have every confidence that these plans will be realised.
Alex McKinnell MBE
Deputy ChairmanI am the Senior Independent Non-executive Director of the Society and I joined the Board in 1984. I am an Actuary and worked for 36 years in the pension field. I believe I bring strong financial experience and a long term perspective to Health Shield. My business experience has taught me the value of treating people fairly and having products that they understand. I believe in the health cash plan business, which helps people with the rising cost of everyday healthcare, which is limited or not available on the NHS. Health Shield is now growing again, after big changes to its customer base, and I think it now has a bright and exciting future. It is a pleasure to be part of the team responsible for this.
Jonathan Burton
Chief ExecutiveI have been Chief Executive since 2001 and during this time the membership of the Society has more than doubled. This can be put down to many factors - an innovative tailored product, a supportive and enthusiastic Board of Directors, a constant drive to improve the levels of service to our members and possibly, most importantly, highly dedicated, loyal and hard-working staff within each and every department of the Society. There will be fresh challenges facing Health Shield such as the current economic climate and the approach of Solvency II but I feel confident that the Society will be able to maintain its current rate of growth and continue to meet the needs of both its current and future membership.
Tabitha Brufal
Non-executive DirectorI started my career as a clinical psychologist, helping adults with problems such as depression, anxiety and panic. I now work as a civil servant and have been involved in a variety of policy and strategy development projects. I think Health Shield offers a range of flexible products which help people cover additional health care costs. The tailored schemes also offer employers the opportunity to promote health and well-being across their workforce.
Michael Carpenter
Non-executive DirectorI joined the Board in 2003, after holding a number of posts in the European Commission and the Government Legal Service, involving complex international negotiations and frequent contact with Ministers. This experience has taught me the value of combining independence of mind with being an effective 'team player'. I have a particular responsibility for treating customers fairly, where my background as a lawyer in the public service and as a pension trustee equips me to see both sides of the relationship with our members.
Alan Phizacklea
Non-executive DirectorMy long association with Health Shield began in 1974 when I became involved in managing the Society's investment portfolio. Since my subsequent appointment to the Board as a non-executive director, I have been privileged to see the company evolve into the vibrant, innovative and caring company it is today, continually striving to improve the service and benefits to members. There is an obvious commitment and willingness throughout the company to maintain our excellent reputation, and to see our long term objectives attained. I believe Health Shield has a great future in the health cash plan marketplace.
Brian Stringer
Non-executive DirectorMy involvement with Health Shield started over 38 years ago and I have seen many changes over this time. More recently, under the direction of the current executive team, the Society has thrived in the highly competitive health cash plan market place. In order to see continuous growth we have embarked on a strategic business plan which will see our membership increase over the next few years. My professional expertise within Human Resources has provided me with a wealth of experience on people issues and the necessary strategic direction to ensure the future growth of the Society. A non executive's role is challenging within the regulation and governance within which we work but ultimately we must ensure that our customer's needs are met in a fair and consistent manner. Health Shield has a dedicated team of people who are fully committed to the delivery of our business plan and, perhaps more importantly, customer service, which is second to none. I am pleased to be a part of the team in a non executive director role.
Mel Welsh
Non-executive DirectorI have been a member of Health Shield for almost 40 years and a member of the Board of Management for 19 years. I have worked in IT for 25 years having started my career in Human Resources. I am a member of the CIPD, therefore, I have a good knowledge of both areas. Health Shield being a Friendly Society has no shareholders and any surplus generated is reinvested for the benefit of its members. Our aim as directors is to see Health Shield expand and improve its market share. We will try to improve our membership products, whilst still retaining our commitment to treating customers fairly and ensuring we continue our excellent service and quick turnaround of claims. I see an exciting and challenging future for Health Shield in the next 5 years in a difficult financial market and we will strive to ensure that Health Shield delivers on its promises.
Maxine Wilson
Executive DirectorSince I was appointed to the Board of Health Shield in 2005, each year has provided a diverse mix of challenges and opportunities. Clearly recent times have proved particularly challenging however the Society remains well positioned to enjoy continued record levels of recruitment. I remain confident that the Society's talented and dedicated Board, Management Team and staff will remain committed to achieving our targets and future aspirations.
Philip Wood
Executive DirectorHaving worked for Health Shield for 20 years, I have been part of the team that has helped to shape, and progress, both product and customer service improvements. I was delighted to join the Board in 2005 and as Director of Sales and Marketing recognise that we are now entering a new phase in the health cash plan market, and also in Health Shield's continued development as we have reached the 100,000th member landmark. The team are excited and fully committed to helping develop further service and product improvements, as we strive to make further progress in a competitive environment. We aim to improve Health Shield's market presence, whilst still remaining loyal to the Society's not-for-profit Friendly Society values.
Michael Yates
Non-executive DirectorI was delighted and proud to be elected to the Board after being a representative of Health Shield for many years. I work within the railway industry and am actively involved in union matters and the first aid movement. Being a local councilor for ten years helped me develop skills I use as a non-executive director. I am committed to the principles of the not-for-profit Friendly Society movement and feel that I represent Health Shield's members' interests in the future development of the Society. As the Society grows, I feel it is vital that we don't alienate our membership. You, as members should take any opportunity to inform us of your needs and to comment on any improvements you feel could be made to our customer service. This feedback is important to us as a business and to me as a Board member.
