About my role at Westbank

I joined the Westbank Board in 2016 and became Chairman two years ago, having known the Founder, Mary Nisbett for several years. I feel privileged to have been able to support such a fantastic Charity. Having extended my tenure as Chair prior to Sarah’s arrival, I had a more hands on role providing support to Westbank’s leadership team prior. I am now looking forward to the new role of Senior Independent Director. 

My stand out career moments

I trained as a Mechanical Engineer and worked in industry until my late twenties when I joined the NHS as an Engineer Officer, managing maintenance and capital works in large hospitals. I moved into general management in the ’90s, having completed an MBA at Exeter University. I became a Director with Teignbridge PCT in 2000, by which time I was already volunteering on the Board of a Charity/Company Ltd by Guarantee, Education and Training Skills. In total, I volunteered with ETS for about 27yrs, 16 of which as Chairman.

My values

Having worked in public service most of my career, and volunteered, using my experience, for half of my working life, I wished to continue that work into my formal retirement. Being aware of the success and huge contribution to local health and care being made by Westbank, and knowing the CEO Mary Nisbett from my NHS career, I was extremely pleased to be asked to join the Board. The work undertaken by this, and similar organisations across the UK deliver and underpins what I understand as ‘Civil Society’, and I am proud to play my part.

Personal interests

Outside of Westbank, I am a keen golfer, dog walker, reader, follower of most mainstream sports, and, I’m afraid a season ticket holder at Plymouth Argyle (my home town)! Having been married for (well) over 40yrs and having six grandchildren, five months to 10 years makes me wonder how I ever managed to work full time!

I do have a real love of motorcycling here in the UK and abroad.

“Being able to support people who make a real difference to the lives of people of all age ranges throughout our localities.”