What do you like best about your job?
Equality, diversity and inclusion is all about treating people fairly and with dignity and respect. What I like most about my job, is that I can work to ensure that what might seem like a lofty ambition or ideal become reality in the experience of our patients, service users, local communities and our staff. Further, my job offers great variety and allows me to meet and engage with amazing people.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Oh my, that’s a long time ago now. It was ‘Waterloo’ by Abba, who won the Eurovision in 1974. Sadly my ex gave my entire singles’ collection to a ‘friend’ to digitalise them and they were never returned.
Who or what inspires you?
I was blessed with amazing and supportive parents, who loved, nurtured and believed in me. Although they are sadly no longer with me, their love still inspires me.
Name one thing you couldn’t live without?
Holidays, travel is my passion.
How would your friends and colleagues describe you?
Friends and colleagues might say that I can be somewhat aloof or sometimes on a different planet, but I think that they would also say that I am loyal, trustworthy and have their best interests at heart.
Which three people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party and why?
Vincent Van Gogh. In my free time I like to visit art galleries and modern art is my favourite. In his earlier life, Vincent Van Gogh commenced training as a minister of religion (for those who don’t know, I am ordained). I would love to understand more about his journey and sad demise at his own hand.
Barbra Streisand. I adore Barbra, her music and acting; and what a career. Would be great to share a meal with her and afterwards she could sing!
Kim Jong Un. What’s it all about and why?
Who had the greatest influence on your career?
My first director when I joined the Trust has without a doubt had the greatest and most positive influence on my career. She has an amazing ability to see and nurture potential, and to coach people in professional development. I grew personally and professionally during that period and I am privileged that she has become a great personal friend.
What’s your favourite sport?
I’m not hugely into team sports. However, my own personal fitness and well-being are important to me and I attend a local gym three or four times a week.
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Travel through time and space. How great and interesting would that be? It would also save a lot of time wasted sat in aeroplanes!
What was the last thing that made you smile?
My step-mother’s cat darting under the recliner chair when the fireworks started. Bless.
What talent do you wish you had?
My parents were musicians but their gifts seem to have passed me by. I would love to be able to play the piano.
Who’s your favourite band?
That’s a difficult question, as I have a wide range of interest in music, from classical through to some modern artists. However, kid of the early 70s that I was, I still love Abba.
What is your greatest achievement?
Not sure really. Although I hope in my career as a chaplain and now as equality lead, my work as positively touched peoples’ lives.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
As I mentioned, I travel a great deal, so this is difficult. If pushed, then I’d have to say Jerusalem, Israel. The convergence of so many cultures and religions makes for an amazing spiritual experience.
What’s your favourite book?
Anything by Dan Brown.
If you could change one thing about where you work what would it be?
That all patients and staff feel understood and treated with fairness and respect for who they are.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?
My iPad, wifi and a vat of red wine.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a person of integrity who lives by his values.