Iain Morrison of Revive MS Support loves working in the third sector so much he can't stop checking his emails
What makes a good day at work?
Most days are actually good days because of the atmosphere in the centre which is generated daily by a team of dedicated, motivated staff and appreciative clients. Despite the situation they have to deal with, our clients generate a lot of humour and hilarity which makes all the difference.
How many hours do you normally work in a week?
I have become very disciplined and on average work around 40 hours a week, although I have to confess that I find it difficult not to look at and answer emails during evenings and weekends. I am however slowly getting better at ignoring them!
My life values, I would gauge, are very compatible with third sector ethos
Iain Morrison
What do you procrastinate over?
Sometimes being realistic about project timeframes and the pace that others work at. Often I’m out in front and it takes me some time before I slow down in order to go with the pace of others.
What turns you into the office Victor Meldrew?
Traffic lights and generally anything that gets in the way and holds me up.
Is the third sector a calling or an accident?
Definitely a calling. For nearly 25 years I worked in a caring and compassionate profession which also required strategic thinking and person management, very useful transferable skills for my role as CEO at Revive MS Support. My life values, I would gauge, are very compatible with third sector ethos.
What happens during your perfect weekend?
There are many things that I could list in answer to this question but I would say; a good round of golf, a win for Celtic, time with my grandsons, a nice dining experience and church.
What’s your favourite film?
I think that I have to admit to being a James Bond fan, so anything 007 really!
Would we all be better off if charities did more in our society?
Absolutely! Generally the values and ethos of charities is the great differential when compared with other sectors. The 'Big Society’ could have been revolutionary if it had been properly thought out and resourced.
Would your 16-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
Other than the disappointment of me not becoming a professional footballer, I think yes!
You’re home, fully fed with your feet up – which comes first Eastenders or emails?
Please give me emails any day.
Is this a step on the rung to success or your final destination?
Who knows? I am stretched at times, but very contented in my role and surrounded by some amazing people. My job satisfaction rating is high, there is a clear vision for the future, so at the moment there is only one place for me.
What do you think is the main strengths of the Scottish charity sector?
Generally in Scotland, we in the third sector enjoy the privilege of having a very good public reputation and we must work hard to retain it and never take it for granted. As organisations I think that most charities have an adaptability, resilience, flexibility and vision along with a sound ethical base that most private sector organisation can only dream off and admire.
What one thing would make the lives of people living with MS better?
That organisations like Revive MS Support didn’t have to exist because a cure had been found.
What does your dream retirement look like?
I would like to carry on working in some capacity maybe running my own business, like a sweetie shop maybe! However I would make sure I had plenty time to play golf, watch football, have holidays along with time to spend with family and friends.
Brian Denis Cox or Brian Edward Cox?
Brian Denis Cox definitely!
Iain Morrison is chief executive of Revive MS Support
