Allan followed a career in the steel industry which culminated in him being an Executive Director of Corus Group Plc. Allan retired from this position in 2004, and until 2009, was HR Director for Avon and Somerset Constabulary. During this time he was the Association of Chief Police Officers' spokesperson on pensions.
Allan has also served as Chairman of the Trustees of the City and Guilds pension scheme, and is non-executive chairman of UK Steel Enterprise Ltd.
Allan was originally appointed to the British Steel Pension Scheme Trustee board in 1994 and served as Trustee Chairman from 2007 to March 2019. Allan was also a member of the Investment Committee and the Valuation and Covenant Committee.
Allan's term of appointment runs until 31 March 2022.