mature , creative , listener

Male , 62

I am a father of three, with two grandkids.(kids of 31,34 and 37), married for 39 years to Julia, a medical secretary. My background is finance and engineering, but following the liquidation of my business seven years ago I became Bursar of a charitable residential conference centre. I am a trustee of an independent school, and was for more than forty years an active volunteer with St John Ambulance.

I am the eldest of four, and one of my sisters lives in NZ, a country that I adore. For child replacement, I have a scruffy and high-maintenance cocker spaniel. A self-confessed workaholic, I need other outlets to prevent me working 24/7.

My interests include theatre, music of all kinds but especially jazz, walking, cooking, watching rugby and current affairs. I am an avid reader, and if I can't find anything else I will read the cereal packets.

The loss of my business and my livelihood in 2001 was in hindsight a good thing. I have had a much more satisfying existence in my new career.

Business reorganisation

I have been through many business changes. Selling and buying small companies, and reorganising my own a number of times, has taught me a lot about change management. I have worked through three recessions and survived, and I have experienced VAT collectors knocking at the door for their money with a baliff outside in his van. Bad times are survivable, and I believe I can help others to work through their problems without imagining that a Fairy Godmother is waiting outside.

Human resources

I am not an HR professional, but I have very wide experience as a manager, and I have had to deal with everything from trades union problems to redundancies to maternity leave to threats of having my nose punched. A calm, steady and fair approach seems to be the best way through the minefield of employing people. I can see the problems from both sides of the fence.

Governance

I have developed extensive experience and understanding of governance in the charity sector, as Bursar to a medium-sized charity and as Treasurer of a large school.

I have time to spend, and a wish to give something back. My trustee activities are no longer as satisfying as they used to be, and I need something to keep my brain working. In my working life, I have been lucky enough to have a couple of mentgors who have helped me, and I want to return the favour somehow. Mentoring and coaching suits my style better than teaching or training. During the week I work away from home and it would be good to use my evening time productively rather than sitting in front of the TV with a glass of wine in my hand.

Groups you have created.