Malcolm Gardner, has had a diverse and impactful career spanning several decades, beginning in the IT industry in the 1970s and later transitioning to leadership roles in local government. His work on early Housing Benefit systems and managing Revenues and Benefits departments established him as a pioneer in using data analytics, electronic systems, and emerging technologies to improve public sector services. As a consultant, he continued to innovate, focusing on efficiency and better outcomes for end-users. His expertise extended beyond technology, as he also introduced performance management, behavioural change strategies, and set standards for local authority fraud investigations.
In 2018, Malcolm joined Team Netsol as a Senior Business Analyst, where he applied his deep understanding of technology trends to support welfare and taxation policies. Even after his retirement in 2022, his commitment to public service remained strong. He revived his company, Visionary Network, as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to modernising local government. Today, Malcolm is a leading authority on redesigning council tax and welfare schemes, continuing to influence the future of public services with his innovative vision.
Malcolm Phone: 0794 6800171
Email malcolm@visionarynetwok.co.uk
Book time with Malcolm: https://bit.ly/VNMGTime
Paul Howarth is an independent consultant who works mainly for Visionary Network, writing plain English council tax reduction schemes for local authorities, and for Policy in Practice on data issues. Since 2012, Paul has worked with local authorities on many issues, including the relationship between Universal Credit and council tax reduction schemes, Discretionary Housing Payments, and data-sharing legislation.
Paul worked for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and its predecessors for 38 years before retiring in October 2011. For the last 10 years of his DWP career Paul was head of Housing Benefit policy and was responsible for the introduction of Local Housing Allowance. As well as delivering an extensive reform programme, Paul regards one of his main achievements at DWP as transforming the relationship with local authorities through better engagement and communication. He believes that central government could do more to recognise and encourage the key role of local authorities in delivering welfare.
Paul telephone: 07854 773164
Kevin Stewart, Director is an experienced local government senior manager with over 40 years of experience in revenues, benefits, and counter-fraud. He is a former national President of the IRRV still being an IRRV Council Member. He too has made significant contributions to the field and is an advisor to several Government departments. Kevin has worked at a number of Local Authorities and is currently Exchequer Services Manager at Erewash Borough Council. Kevin has also worked for the Audit Commission when he played a part in the Protecting the Public Purse reports. Kevin has done numerous presentations and plays a prominent part in professional qualifications for the IRRV having been a tutor and examiner for over 25 years.
Sean O’Sullivan, Policy and analytics consultant is a highly skilled local government finance expert, known for his proficiency in Council Tax, Housing Benefit subsidy, and the design of Council Tax Reduction schemes. With extensive experience implementing Welfare Reform at Brentwood Borough Council, Sean has developed systems to improve Council Tax recovery and streamline processes. He is adept at using the Northgate Revenues & Benefits system and has successfully led projects involving systems reconciliation and subsidy maximisation. Colleagues frequently commend his strategic thinking, leadership, and ability to manage complex audit and regulatory challenges within UK local government.
You can contact us on malcolm@visionarynetwork.co.uk 0794 6800171
Visionary Network Ltd, 160 Kemp House, City Road, London EC1V 2NX
Registered company: 14356542 VAT registered.
You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.
Woodrow Wilson