Cllr Allen's background is in primary education. He is a retired headteacher who led three local authority schools and has lived in Minchinhampton, or the close villages, for over 25 years. He is a member of Minchinhampton Baptist Church, his interests include blues music and supporting Gloucester Rugby Club.

Cllr Allen sits on the Personnel and Complaints Committees and both the Allotment and Improving Minchinhampton Town Centre working groups. He is responsible for the Snow Wardens and is a Council representative on Minchinhampton Community Hub and Minchinhampton Sports Association.