Paul Pawa and Dr Andy Wood OBE DL explore how strong governance drives real impact.
In episode 12 of Inside Norse, Paul Pawa, Group Strategic Development Director, sits down with Dr Andy Wood OBE DL, Chair of the Norse Group Board, to talk about the importance of governance.
Andy is a familiar figure across the region, serving as a non-executive director across healthcare, education, financial services and the wider business community. His leadership is shaped by a genuine commitment to public value and doing the right thing for organisations and the communities they serve.
Andy begins by reflecting on his career, which he describes as unfolding in two distinct chapters. The first saw him spend more than 20 years with Norwich Union. Seeking a role where he could make a deeper impact, he moved to Adnams PLC, where he went on to spend over three decades and eventually lead the organisation as Chief Executive from 2010 to 2024.
That ethos is a big part of what drew him to Norse. As the conversation turns to the LATCo model, Andy explains why he sees such potential in combining local authority ownership with commercial discipline. It is a structure, he says, that allows Norse to think long term, invest with confidence, and deliver sustainable value for partners and communities rather than chase short-term gains.
Paul guides the discussion towards Andy’s role as Chair, and he shares how he approaches stewardship and governance. He reflects on the balance between long-term ambition and day-to-day pressures, and how recent work on governance, legacy investments, and the balance sheet is helping position Norse for the next stage of its journey as a confident, forward-looking LATCo.
They also explore the relationship between the Board and the executive team. For Andy, language and tone matter. Non-executives, he says, should set clear guardrails while supporting and empowering leaders. Trust, clarity, and context underpin every high-quality decision, especially when navigating difficult choices.
The conversation moves to the wider economic pressures facing local government and public services. With resources under strain, Andy sees Norse as a problem-solver for its partners, helping to create resilience and deliver value where it is most needed.
Andy reflects on the importance of continuous learning, and the perspective experience brings. One of the greatest rewards of chairing boards, he says, is watching organisations evolve, leaders grow, and teams fulfil their potential.
Tune in to episode 12 for an energising and thoughtful conversation on purpose, leadership, and the future of public service delivery.
Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify, and Amazon Music.
