​David Welch heads up the Beatson Cancer Charity and firmly believes a healthy mind is as important as a healthy life

What time do get up and what’s your morning routine?

I like to get up early and enjoy a healthy breakfast whilst catching up on the news, sport and weather and take some time to process any pressing work related communications! As I like to either run, cycle or visit the gym each day I may then get active depending on my schedule for the day. If I am at the office first thing I will deal with anything urgent and take some time to catch up with colleagues and spend some time in the Beatson Cancer Centre itself.

What are you working on just now?

I’m working on the overall strategic development of the organisation. It’s been really useful to review the last two years since the charity launched and look to the future in terms of goals, priorities and opportunities. I’m also working on the finances and budgets for the new financial year and strengthening stakeholder relationships to secure significant funding for projects we’re involved in including a ground-breaking radiotherapy research programme.

How many hours do you normally work in a day?

Often too many! The biggest challenges of being a young and fast moving charity are keeping up with all the opportunities and at the same time achieving a good work-life balance.

Is it better to work for a big charity or a small charity?

Both have their advantages. In my role I’ve had the luxury of working with a great team to bring two small but very successful charities together to create a larger charity with a clear vision which supports and makes a direct impact on thousands of cancer patients and their families as well as on the staff who support these patients.

Should more charities merge?

Certainly consider it. Strategic partnerships can ensure maximum impact on beneficiaries and target groups and can guarantee money spent and received as income is used as efficiently as possible. A merger can also help to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication of resources.

Would we all be better off if charities did more in our society?

Charities already do a huge amount in our society and there is more to be done. The not-for-profit sector plays a vital role and provides many opportunities and services that we couldn’t do without in a versatile and unique way. The public don’t always fully understand the scale of the impact that charities have and that is a significant challenge facing us all especially in the face of somewhat overstated criticism of charity fundraising.

What one bit of health advice would you offer everyone?

Everyone already knows the risks associated with tobacco and the excessive consumption of alcohol so my advice would be regular exercise and a healthy diet which are great for you both physically and mentally.

Does the prospect of change excite or worry you?

I absolutely embrace change. It’s exciting and challenging. Change is constant and creates opportunity and success. I’m inspired by the well-known quote from Mahatma Ghandi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

Is this a step on the ladder to success or your final destination?

Life is a journey that doesn’t really stop and no one knows what is around the corner. My role and Beatson Cancer Charity have huge potential and I’m incredibly privileged to lead a thriving and ambitious charity. Each day I’m humbled by the amazing patients, families, staff and supporters I meet on a daily basis and there is so much more still to be achieved in the coming years.

Is it possible to stay in a job for too long?

Yes but I wouldn’t define a length of time. It’s important to ensure that an organisation is proactive and continues to be successful, responds to change and is constantly developing. However, if you or the organisation are standing still, you’ve probably been in a job too long and that can be the case in any role at any level.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?

Don’t doubt your abilities, believe in yourself and always trust your gut feeling – it’s an important instinct.

What is your perfect weekend?

The work week can be hectic so I like to start the weekend with a run or a long cycle to relax and unwind. I enjoy the outdoors and sports and also try to make time to read. I avoid TV but enjoy a TV series without the ads on ITunes or Netflix such as Homeland or currently Game of Thrones. Enjoying some nice food, preferably spicy Asian or seafood with a glass of wine is a must or a pizza from Little Italy on Byres Road – one of the best in the business.

Are boards the strength of the third sector or a thorn in its side?

Like with all organisations there are Boards that are very effective and others that are less so. I’m very fortunate to have an extremely supportive Chairman and members of the charity’s Board who are all very effective individually and collectively and who work closely with myself and the executive team on the overall strategy of the organisation and its delivery.

Brian Denis Cox or Brian Edward Cox?

I haven’t actually had the pleasure of meeting either gentlemen but would welcome the chance to meet and involve them with #TeamBeatson.