Our CEO Kevin Davis, has been appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands. 

Mr Kevin Davis DL will be supporting the Lord-Lieutenant (His Majesty The King’s personal representative in the West Midlands) – in several ways including accompanying members of the royal family during official visits to the region, representation at citizenship ceremonies, supporting the armed forces of the Crown, encouraging charitable and voluntary work and other local initiatives that benefit the community. 

This prestigious role is testament to Kevin’s unwavering dedication to public service and commitment to the betterment of our community. He has been instrumental in steering our Trust in our social mobility and social justice mission through increasing opportunities and improving outcomes for young people in Walsall and Sandwell. 

Kevin has for many years pioneered invaluable partnerships between education providers and employers to ensure young people are equipped with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the world of work.  As Co-Founding Trustee of the Mercian Trust, under his board leadership, he has overseen the growth and development of the Multi Academy Trust, and the many successes of our schools and most importantly our students

As Chairman and co-founder of the Ladder Foundation, which was set up to promote the value of apprenticeships

Kevin has worked tirelessly to help young people, often from challenging backgrounds, get into work and to make a difference with their lives.

The Ladder apprenticeships campaign has helped 10,000 people secure work in the last 10 years. The drive was launched in 2014 to tackle unemployment and improve skill levels by getting employers, training providers and people looking for work opportunities to engage with apprenticeships.

Kevin realised his dream of establishing a new alternative provision school. The Ladder School opened in Walsall in 2019.

Kevin Davis said: “I am honoured to have been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands, alongside three others with outstanding achievements. I am looking forward to getting involved in many initiatives to support the community and recognise the people who make a difference to others.”

Sir John Crabtree OBE said the appointments are being announced as the West Midlands celebrates its existence for the last 50 years and reflects the forward-thinking and community spirit across the region.

He said: “It is heart-warming to see so many people giving so much of themselves to help others and these new Deputy Lieutenants are some of the terrific people we have here that are making such a difference to our community. I know they will complement the existing Deputy Lieutenants and help our activities that include community initiatives recognising at every level the people who devote their lives to improving those of others.”

Kevin is one of four new Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands, bringing the total of Deputy Lieutenants in the Midlands to 75. The other new appointees are Owen Burke OBE, Dave Heeley OBE and Lesley Wilde.