David Fairhurst

David is Executive Chair and a Co-Founder of Mutual Ventures. His career has spanned public service, operational research, corporate finance and management consultancy. His specialisms include the development of alternative delivery models for public services and the application of data analytics to enhance public service delivery. He has worked extensively across Central and Local Government advising on initiatives ranging from the implementation of large executive agencies, shared services and arms-length organisations through to the development of autonomous social enterprises.

In October 2012, David was appointed as a “Mutuals Ambassador” by Cabinet Office in recognition of his knowledge and expertise in the area with the remit of providing commercial advice and troubleshooting to services spinning out of the public sector. David is particularly involved in Mutual Ventures’ work in Children’s Services. During 2018/19 he was a member of Nadhim Zahawi’s (then Children’s Minister) Partner’s in Practice Advisory Board. David leads our work in Children’s Social Care innovation and supporting the Strengthening Families Protecting Children programme.

A Yorkshireman by birth right, David and his family have lived in exile in Hertfordshire for over 20 years. In his leisure time, David enjoys a wide range of music and continues a 30-year battle to learn guitar. He is a keen runner, fan of Parkruns, lover of ski holidays, music festivals and sufferer of Middlesbrough FC. To unwind, a cool glass of wheat beer and a good box set usually hits the spot.