"As Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, I have worked with Steve since he took up the role of NUS Wales Director in 2015. From the outset, Steve demonstrated a clear understanding of the need to work collaboratively in his role and formed effective relationships across Welsh higher education. He is proactive in addressing challenges and in generating creative approaches to solving them, negotiating effectively to secure the support of, and contributions from, other stakeholders. Although he brought to his role a strong understanding of the context, Steve was sensitive to the need to test assumptions at times and exercised good judgement in determining when to do so. He is intelligent, has good interpersonal skills and political antennae and deploys all to good effect."

"At the start of our new strategic planning cycle, we approached Steve to support us in writing the story of the SU over the last 4 years and produce a synopsis of the strategic drivers that would inform our future direction between 2019 and 2023. Briefed with historical context, Steve very quickly captured the essence of Warwick and was able to covey our successes on a local and national level in a succinct document that would appeal to staff at all levels. An excellent facilitator, his knowledge of the students’ union movement ignited some passionate group discussions that enabled us to achieve exactly what we needed from the Trustee planning sessions and come away with some positive action points that will lead us into the next phase of our strategic plan"

"From Cornwall College Students’ Union to Vice President Further Education, to National President of NUS, Steve gave me consistent strategic and operational advice and support. At Cornwall Steve supporting me in delivering a governance review of my college students' union, and organised officer training for me and my team.

Steve continued to support me in the National Union of Students, giving me personal coaching and support that ultimately gave me the confidence to stand for national president. Steve is a conscientious, strategic leader who understands and respects student leadership. His support to me, as well as the staff and officers I have worked with has been invaluable in making difficult and important decisions."