John was a revered figure in the field of consumer rights, an inspiration and great friend to AdviceUK (the Federation of Independent Advice Centres as it then was) and to the entire UK advice sector. He was a main speaker at our 25th anniversary event in 2004 and is fondly remembered by those of us who had the privilege of working with him.
Steve Johnson, Chief Executive, Advice UK
John Ward was a consumer champion who campaigned passionately on behalf of those who were disadvantaged by poverty or lack of information. There were many notable successes. In the 1980s John not only called for more free consumer advice to be available, but facilitated and encouraged consistency in the newly emerging debt advice sector.
John was influential in gaining support for Money Advice services from within the credit industry, and promoted the establishment of the Money Advice Association( MAA) both overtly and behind the scenes. The MAA developed into the Institute of Money Advisers, which would not exist without John.
I am fortunate to have worked with John for many years. He was a robust advocate, and a funny, kind and gentle man.
Alan Jarvis ( ex-Chair MAA)
For more on John’s life and work: John Ward obituary (the Guardian website)
