In October 2020, I retired as Operations Director with Follow Your Dreams Charity, but was keen to continue to support in a voluntary role as Trustee.
I’ve been involved with the Charity since July 2012 and on an employed basis since January 2013. My role involves overseeing all Human Resource issues for the Charity as well as ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations of the Charity Commission, Companies House and other regulatory bodies. Because we are a national charity we have a number of contracted Regional Fundraising Managers, and a vital part of my job is to liaise with the managers to insure targets are met, they are compliant with all regulations , and represent the Charity in the best possible manner. Grant applications are also part of my remit.
This is my third career change. My first was as a Personnel Manager with the National Coal Board, Coal Products Division. I was there for ten years, eventually changing my career to enter the academic world as a lecturer in business and management. I stayed in the teaching profession for 30 years eventually ending up as Head of Faculty and Site Manager for Coleg Morgannwg (now Coleg Y Cymoedd). After taking early retirement on re-organisation I found myself bored stiff and so stared to work on a part time basis with the Charity. This is now a full time employed position and hence my third career. Although my previous employment was very fulfilling, I can honestly say this is the happiest and most rewarding place I have ever worked.
On a personal note, besides my wife three children and seven grandchildren, I have two other areas of interest – I am chairman of the Caerphilly District Youth Rugby Union and, I maintain my academic interest by being a member of the Governing body of Coleg y Cymoedd.
