ABOUT IAS

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Born in 1977 and raised in St Helens in a family who had worked in the coal mines for generations, David brings both a grounded perspective and over 20 years’ legal experience to the role of Lead Adjudicator at the Independent Appeals Service (IAS).

He studied Law at Northumbria University completing an exempting degree that incorporated professional training. Coming from a working-class background, he benefited from a student grant and has always been conscious of the importance of keeping justice accessible to everyone, regardless of financial means.

After starting his career in general civil law, David worked at Ashworth High Secure Hospital, handling complaints from some of the UK’s most high-profile patients. He later qualified as a solicitor in 2005, training and practising in criminal defence and mental health law in London. He went on to specialise in criminal defence in Cheshire, and North Wales, before establishing himself as a self-employed defence advocate.

In 2018, he joined the Crown Prosecution Service as a Senior Crown Prosecutor, working across several specialist units. His career has spanned both sides of the criminal justice system, giving him a unique understanding of fairness, impartiality, and the importance of public confidence in decision-making.

Appointed Lead Adjudicator of the IAS in 2025, David is focused on strengthening transparency, accessibility, and trust in the appeals system. His priorities include completing the full legal separation of the IAS from the trade association, increasing public reporting and thematic insights, and ensuring that the IAS meets and exceeds the standards set out under the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.

Married for 18 years with two children, he combines his professional role with a strong sense of family and community values, which continue to inform his approach to fairness and accountability in the appeals process.