Justin Richards

Experienced values-driven Independent Trustee, Non-Executive Director, SME Director and Medical Consultant with over 40 years' leadership experience across highly regulated, safety-critical sectors including healthcare, pharmaceutical medicine. Combining experience of board governance, financial oversight, ethical leadership, with a personal commitment to sustainable impact, including longstanding personal investment in renewable energy technology. Having a diverse background in both the private and public sectors, gives a unique perspective to approaching challenges with creativity.

My board roles span, private and charitable organisations, with oversight of strategy, risk, financial performance, stakeholder engagement and organisational culture. Alongside this, I support leaders through coaching focused on transition, and sustainable leadership.

Chair of Advisory Board - Rocky Ledge Estates

(2025-10)

A pioneering Real Estate Limited Partnership (RELP) designed to merge sustainable development, family-centred investment, and timeless adventure.

Founder Director - Boardroom Conversations

(2025)

Director and entrepreneur networking group focused on governance, growth and leadership; expanding to London in 2026 with planned links to the impact investment community.

Independent Trustee - Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine

(2018 - 2024)

A complex, high-profile, professional healthcare standards body operating in the public interest.

• Finance & Business Planning Committee, scrutinizing procurement requests outside of the remit of the operational management team
• Chair of the Communications and Engagement Panel, led improvement in member and stakeholder engagement
• Remuneration Committee, ensured transparency and fairness in executive remuneration

Non-Executive Director - IPEM Enterprises Ltd

(2023 - 2025)

• Provide independent oversight on commercial strategy and financial performance
• Support board decision-making in alignment with the Institute's charitable and public benefit goals

Advisory Board Member - Online Estate Agency

(2023 - 2026)

• Provide strategic input on growth, governance, and market alignment

Board Director - DDS Medicines Research

(1998 - 2002)

• Developed and delivered growth strategy for pharmaceutical research company
• Strengthened operational governance and quality systems

Executive Coach - Self

• Coach to leaders across healthcare, and public services
• Specialised in clinicians-turned-leaders and founders navigating scale, ambiguity and governance expectations
• Supported clients through career transitions, role redesign periods

Medical Consultant - Self

• Led multidisciplinary teams in high-risk, high-pressure environments
• Responsible for patient safety, and quality assurance
• Mentored junior clinicians and contributed to national clinical governance frameworks

Director and Owner - BLE Properties Ltd

(2013-07)

Founded and developed SME housebuilding business delivering both affordable private rental and ownership housing in the East Midlands.

• Oversaw planning, compliance, funding, and delivery of multiple residential developments
• Implemented governance and pension arrangements for directors and staff
• Set up a company pension scheme

Director - Ironstone Development

(2013)

• Managed subsidiary specialising in sustainable residential schemes

Executive Director - PPD Development Leicester

(2002 - 2004)

Managed 50+ staff in a Phase I pharmaceutical clinical trials unit, for a USA based Contract Research Organisation. Secured a £6M contract and negotiated contract with lapsed 'blue chip' client. Organised operational restructuring to provide more customer focus and operational efficiency.

Various roles - DDS Medicines Research Limited - Dundee

(1997 - 2002)

Identified key issues with current and lapsed clients, reviewed and improved quality of service, and improved motivation of staff. Resulting in improved cash management, from increased turnover with reduced WiP and debt, returning company to profitability. Led teams of research personnel, increased staff motivation & service quality.

Medical Specialist in Anaesthesia (Basic and Higher Specialist Training) - NHS Hospitals in North West

(1990 - 1997)

General Practice Training - General Practice

(1985 - 1989)

Executive Coaching (in progress) - Leadership Development - ProNoctis / ILM Institute of Learning and Management (2023)

Postgraduate Course - Pharmaceutical Medicine - Department of Pharmacy, University of Cardiff (1998 - 1998)

Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training - Anaesthesia - Royal College of Anaesthetists (1997 - 1997)

Certificate - Health Services Management - Open University (1996 - 1996)

Diploma of Fellowship - Anaesthesia - Royal College of Anaesthetists (1994 - 1994)

JCPTGP - General Practice - Royal College of General Practitioners (1990 - 1990)

MB ChB - Medicine - University of Liverpool, Medical School (1984 - 1984)

Secondary Education - St.Francis Xavier's College Liverpool (1977 - 1979)