The Institute is managed by a Council made up of IPW & ISPW Members elected by the Membership for a three-year term.
One of the Council members acts as Chair and a member is also appointed to represent the Institute of Scottish Professional Willwriters (ISPW).
The Council have regular meetings to discuss matters facing the IPW/ISPW and its Members. They also run the Annual General Meetings with fellow Member delegates.
All our Council members run their own Will writing businesses and some are also studying for STEP examinations.
Paul Sharpe
IPW/ISPW President & ADR Official
Since 1990, Paul has been involved in Will writing, gaining firsthand experience of the daily challenges and rewards of the profession. He joined the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) in 1993, became part of its management team in 1997, and served as Chairman from 2000 to 2014.
Paul believes a Will writing business must stand out to thrive. That’s why his IPW membership and adherence to a TSI Approved Code of Practice are more than just credentials—they’re part of his commitment to delivering the best for his clients. He’s passionate about maintaining the highest standards in the industry.
Marcos Kallou
Sponsorship
With a background in hospitality, Marcos has been an Estate Planner since 2004 and is a Fellow of the IPW. He runs his own multi award-winning estate planning firm, with offices in Epping, Essex, and Skipton, North Yorkshire. His foundation in hospitality means he always aims to provide clients with exceptional service and sound advice. A passionate supporter of the IPW, Marcos also serves as an IPW examiner and is part of the Technical Support team.
A speaker of conversational Greek, Marcos enjoys travel, music, good food and wine, sport, and heading out on hikes and rambles.
Fun fact or quote: Marcos previously hosted on hospital radio and later DJ’d for an online-only radio station.
PAUL DODSWORTH
Finance & Standards
Paul brings over 20 years of experience in estate planning, with a background in accountancy and offshore finance. He runs his own successful estate planning business and believes that great client service always comes first. Knowing that the best advice comes from strong technical expertise, he spent years studying and is now a diploma member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Known for his practical, down-to-earth approach, Paul enjoys good food, a smoky malt, and watching sport and murder mysteries. With his daughter Megan now working alongside him, succession planning is already in place.
Fun fact or quote:A fan of live music, Paul once crossed Checkpoint Charlie on a tour of Europe in 1984 to sample an East German nightclub — an experience that was… interesting!
JOHN WILFORD
Marketing & Website
After 26 years as a Financial Adviser, John transitioned into the Willwriting profession in 2017, bringing with him a strong belief that good business starts with good personal service. He continues to share his expertise as part of the IPW training team and remains actively involved in supporting professional standards across the industry.
Fun fact or quote: "Family comes first."
CHRIS FOOKS
Chair of the IPW
Christopher runs his own estate planning business and works with large key clients in delivering estate planning as part of their employee benefits package. Christopher has worked in estate planning since the age of 18, as well as in Financial Services. Christopher likes to look at each clients aims and objectives holistically to make sure all the missing pieces of the puzzle are drawn together. Christopher enjoys paddle boarding, sea swimming, and long beach walks with his wife and four children. Christopher occasionally attempts golf……
Fun fact or quote "If you can't fly, run; if you can't run, walk, if you can't walk, crawl; but by any means keep moving forward"
Sue Ioannou
IPW/ISPW Vice Chair & Head of Training
"I started my working life in 1982 in The Lord Chancellor’s Department (now the Ministry of Justice). I worked my way up the management chain and in 1992, I became Manager of the London Probate Office which is where my love of Wills began! In 1997, I discovered the IPW and decided to study for their exams to qualify as a professional Will writer. I was admitted as a member in 1998 and became a Fellow in 2009.
"I started my business on a part time basis in 1998. In 2002, I moved out of the Probate Office and became the Training Manager for the Family and Probate Service of England and Wales. During my time in that role, I set up the Probate and Inheritance Tax Helpline and was responsible for training the HMRC staff that would cover the helpline.
"In 2005, I obtained a Master’s degree in Strategic Management and then started my qualifications with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
"I became an IPW Trainer in 2004 and have been responsible for identifying, developing and delivering training needs to our members since then. I took up the appointment of Head of Training in late 2016 and have acted as Vice Chair of the IPW since January 2017, having been elected to the Council in 2014.
"I am passionate about the Will writing profession. The most important thing for me is to provide my clients and my trainees with the best possible service and it is extremely rewarding to hear them tell me that I have achieved that. I am proud to be a member of the IPW and to have been elected by the membership to represent them on the Council."
MICHELLE KEMP
Scotland
Michelle brings over 25 years of experience in financial services, insurance, and estate planning, specialising in Wills, LPAs, Trusts, and Estate Administration. She runs a successful estate planning business and actively mentors others, living by the belief: “I never stop learning—and I never stop encouraging others to believe in what they can do.” Known for her personalised, client-focused approach, Michelle is passionate about guiding clients through complex planning with clarity and care.
A fluent Spanish speaker, she also teaches both children and adults part-time. Away from work, Michelle enjoys cycling, playing tennis, and finding balance through family life and community involvement.
Fun fact or quote: "Every client, every colleague, every conversation—there’s always something to learn and something to give."
NEIL FRASER
Liason & Membership
Neil began his career at 16 and served as a police inspector in London and Northumbria before retiring. He has now been a willwriter for over 11 years and runs his own practice in Mid Northumberland. Known for his dedication, Neil once even took a client call on Christmas Day. He believes in putting clients first and always prioritises quality—even if it takes a little more time.
Deeply involved in the Scouting movement, Neil is also a keen private pilot and co-owns his own aircraft.
Fun fact or quote: "Let's just do it - you ain't got as long as you think"
The Institute is supported by a team who are based at our head office in Halesowen. They are here to help you – whether you are a member of the public looking for help finding a Will, or are a professional interested in joining the Institute or are already a member.
Jackie Morton
Compliance Manager
Jackie has been with the IPW for over 17 years and remains just as passionate about supporting members
as she was on day one. She goes the extra mile to guide members through the
compliance process while ensuring they meet the high standards of the CTSI Code
of Practice. In her free time, Jackie enjoys running, swimming, and spending time with
family and friends. She has completed multiple marathons—including the London
Marathon.
Fun fact or phrase: "Don't let anyone or anything dull your sparkle."
Deb Wright
Membership Manager
With over 14 years of
experience as Membership Manager, Deb specialises in welcoming new members and
nurturing strong, lasting relationships with existing ones. She is passionate
about guiding people through every step of their Willwriting career and ensuring
all members uphold the high professional standards of the IPW. Deb’s
approachable nature makes her the go-to person for any questions about
membership and career progression. When
she's not supporting members, Deb enjoys spending time with family and friends,
dog-walking holidays, and relaxing with a glass of wine.
Fun
fact or phrase: “Always plan ahead; it
wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.”
Vicky McAndrew
Accounts Manager
Vicky
is an accomplished Accounts Manager with a strong track record of maintaining
accurate financial records, managing accounts payable/receivable, day-to-day
financial transactions, reconciliations and delivering clear, timely monthly
financial reports. Vicky is committed to helping the IPW stay organized, with a
reputation for precision and integrity. She is dedicated to ensuring accuracy
and transparency in her role, which she has held for over 14 years. Outside of
work, Vicky enjoys hiking with her dogs, yoga and spending time with family and
friends.
Fun fact of phrase: "It
doesn't matter what happens, it's how you deal with it that matters"
Vicky Parker
Council Support
Vicky assists in organising and supervising all of the administrative activities that facilitate the smooth and efficient running of the IPW office. Tasks include assisting with membership processes, dealing with membership issues, liaising with members and the general public, producing reports for the IPW Council and dealing with anything that lands on her desk. Every day is different and brings a whole host of challenges but the icing on the cake for her is working with the best team of people anyone could ever wish for!! Away from the desk, she loves a long walk - especially if there’s a pint of ale waiting at the end of it.
Fun fact or phrase: "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit"
Georgina Bayliss
Administrator
Georgina is the newest member of the IPW team and brings over 10 years of administrative experience to the role. She supports a range of daily tasks, from managing phone queries and processing application forms to coordinating internal communications. Georgina enjoys the variety and energy of the office—and loves being part of such a supportive team.
Beyond the office, she spends time with her son, explores the outdoors on nature adventures, and embraces her inner shopaholic.
Fun fact or phrase:Yesterday is history, tomorrow's a mystery and today is a gift - that's why we call it the present!"
Kirsty Willoughby
Training Manager
Kirsty has been part of the
Institute for over 10 years, starting as an apprentice while studying Business
Administration and IT Functional Skills at her local college. Today, she works
closely with the training team, booking members onto courses and responding to
queries about entrance examinations. She’s passionate about helping members
progress through their professional development with confidence. When she’s not coordinating training, Kirsty enjoys making memories with her
family and friends and heading off on adventures with her young son.