ALARM Midlands: Protecting the Future

Geoff Dunn

Regional Executive Director – Midlands and South, Gallagher

Geoff is the Regional Executive Director for the Midlands and South, where he leads a team of Account Executives responsible for delivering tailored insurance solutions and effective risk management strategies to their Local Authority clients. With over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Geoff brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. His extensive experience and strategic vision have been instrumental in driving growth and enhancing client satisfaction across the region. Geoff is dedicated to fostering strong relationships and ensuring that public sector organisations receive the comprehensive support they need to protect their people, assets and local communities.

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Phil Farrar

National Development Director, Risk Management Partners

Phil began his career in 1986 with Municipal Mutual and worked at two of their branches where he stayed for 12 years, working as part of their National Public Sector Team. He joined RMP in 2004, where he was responsible for service delivery in the North of England and Scotland, as well as managing his own accounts.

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Chris Griffin

Head of Risk and Resilience, University of Warwick

Chris has worked in risk management roles for 18 years, predominantly within the criminal justice system, and the last four years within higher education. In his current role, Chris oversees risk management, incident management and planning at the University of Warwick.

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Matthew Hardwick

Senior Risk Consultant, Zurich Municipal

Matt has over ten years' experience of risk management, with extensive experience in supporting senior managers, corporate leaders and operational managers in understanding what good looks like, and how to embed these practices across their organsiations. Matt has worked across the public sector, extensively with local authorities, as well as taking an active lead with third sector organisations. 

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Russell Heppleston

Risk Manager, National Audit Office

Russell is a Risk Manager for the Financial and Risk Management Insights team at the NAO. He joined the NAO in 2021 as a risk manager and leads on the NAO’s insight work on risk and resilience. He has nearly 20 years’ experience working in Public Sector, specialising in internal assurance, risk management and governance. He is a Chartered Internal Audit Leader (QIAL) and Certified Risk Manager (CMIRM).

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Peppy Marshall

Partner, Weightmans

Penelope is a partner in the local government team in Birmingham and an expert in local authority litigation with particular emphasis on highways, education and social services and high value complex claims. Penelope has advised clients on policy matters as well as claims and has taken part in numerous training events and spoken at local and national conferences.

Noted in Chambers & Partners as an excellent lawyer in the defendant personal injury field, Penelope has been commended for her exceptional client-focused approach.

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Chris Walker

Head of Risk Management, Durham University

Chris has experience of working in housing, private sector insurance and is currently the Head of Risk Management at Durham University. With nine years under his belt as an ALARM Director, Chris currently serves as the organisation's Finance Director and has oversight of ALARM's finances. He also leads the ALARM Higher & Further Education Group and the Regions & Sectors portfolio.

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Gordon Wilmott

Head of Public Services, Zurich Municipal

Gordon is a Head of Market for Public Services at Zurich Municipal, where he leads the division in meeting the needs of its customers. Providing tailored risk management and insurance solutions to support clients in maximising their impact and delivering for their communities. Gordon has also lead the division supporting the third sector in his time with Zurich Municipal. Prior to his roles in Zurich Muncipal, Gordon's career was in marketing & communications where he held a number of senior roles.

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