Steven Varley was born in Derby in 1953 and educated at Denstone College and Liverpool University where he read Law.
He married in 1988 and has two grown-up children.
On graduating, and qualifying as a solicitor, he practiced in Derby and Nottingham, initially in all aspects of criminal law including legal aid then specialising in professional misconduct, regulatory and disciplinary work eventually becoming senior partner of his firm. He retired in 2018.
Steven was a Governor and Chair of Governors for the Denstone College Preparatory School for many years and is a Fellow of the Woodard Corporation. In his spare time, he rowed and played senior rugby for Derby, New Brighton, Nottingham, and the combined county sides of Notts, Lincs and Derbys (Three Counties). He still retains a keen interest in rugby, is a Vice President of Derby Rugby Club and heavily involved with the Derby Bucks Mixed Ability Rugby Squad.
He was initiated into the St Werburga Lodge No 4147 in Derby on 30th December 1983 by his father who had also been initiated into the Lodge by his father. Steven’s grandfather was the fourth initiate into St Werburga Lodge in the first year of its existence. In 2021, Steven had the great privilege of presiding over the Lodge’s delayed Centenary.
In 2015 Steven was appointed Provincial Grand Master for Derbyshire. He was appointed to the Board of General Purposes by the Grand Master in September 2020 and is also a member of the Membership Working Party, the GMCCC Working Party and chairs the Pathway Working Party.
Both before and during his tenure as PGM, he has been an active supporter and advocate for the needs of disadvantaged and disabled children, men and women and carers. This is an interest and commitment close to his heart.
He was appointed as an Assistant Grand Master in 2023.
Current role