The chief executive of Legion Scotland is flat out with the charity’s latest campaign as well as his own project of training for the Loch Ness Marathon
What is your morning routine?
Normally waking up with my dogs staring expectantly at me; on one hand hoping to be let out for some fresh air and on the other waiting patiently to replace my head with theirs on my pillow. Being quiet is critical. The rest of the family are normally still snoring away when I depart for work – usually in the dark.
What makes a good day at work?
Leaving work knowing that I’ve achieved something that makes a real difference for those we are here to support – Scotland’s ex-services community. Engaging with and bouncing ideas off my team is important.
Is lunch a five minute sandwich at your desk or do you find time for yourself?
Lunch is almost always a five minute break before getting back to work. However, sometimes the team manage to go to lunch together. This is great because we all get the chance to unwind and relax and find out a little bit more about each other.
Why do you work in the third sector?
It’s a great place to work! I am surrounded by good people, both employees and volunteers. No two days are the same and no two individuals are the same either. The team at Legion Scotland have many things in common: commitment, dedication, pride, and a sense of humour but above all else they are open to change and engaging with helping Scotland’s veterans. They really make a difference and without them I would not be able to do my job.
Effective boards make a real difference to the overall success of the organisation its members will at the very least be knowledgeable, engaged, committed and competent. The board’s members and the chief executive know their boundaries and responsibilities and understand their place in the management.
What are you working on just now?
Right now the organisation is in the middle of our first ever major fundraising campaign – Give A Little For Veterans. The team are leading on many initiatives working with the membership of the Legion Scotland charity, which has 170 branches and 70 clubs across Scotland all run by volunteers. I play my part too. I am currently in training to complete the Loch Ness Marathon with the hope of raising over £5000 that will go towards supporting veterans and their dependants in Scotland.
How do you inspire your colleagues?
My team are very important to me. They each have their own way of working and recognition of their diverse nature is crucial to the overall success of the organisation. Each member of the team will be inspired by different elements of how I approach them and their work and ultimately how I approach my own work. I would like to think that I am recognised for working hard, my display of confidence in the team and their knowledge that I have their backs and my ability to make things work. We must not forget that inspiration works two ways and it’s important to mention that my team of employees and volunteers, through their dedication and commitment, inspire me.
What is your worst habit?
Not paying enough attention to the family. And not watching EastEnders enough (see below).
Are boards the strength of the third sector or a thorn in its side?
Effective boards make a real difference to the overall success of the organisation its members will at the very least be knowledgeable, engaged, committed and competent. The board’s members and the chief executive know their boundaries and responsibilities and understand their place in the management.
Have you got thoughts on what you will do when you retire?
I don’t have time to think about retirement. Legion Scotland are in their first year of plans to reinvigorate the charity to meet the needs of the ex-service community in Scotland.
Do you prefer working with volunteers or paid employees?
In the third sector it’s crucial that employees and volunteers work together. I could never have a preference because I not only enjoy working with my team of employees I also find it extremely rewarding to work and engage effectively with volunteers.
What scares you most in life?
It ends too soon. There are many things I still want to achieve. Doing the very best I can for those I am here to lead and support is very important to me and although it doesn’t scare me I would be extremely disappointed if I ever felt that I had let them down in any way.
You’re home, full fed with your feet up – which comes first Eastenders or emails?
Its emails, I’m afraid. Although, if I have my laptop I can do both.
Would your 18-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
I would like to think so. My 18-year-old self could never have imagined that one day after completing a full career of 26 years in the Scots Guards that I would become the chief executive of Legion Scotland, responsible for the management of the largest veterans membership charity in Scotland; leading a team who are committed to doing the very best they can for veterans and their dependants.
Brian Denis Cox or Brian Edward Cox?
I can relate to both of them for very different reasons but Brian Edward Cox just edges it. In my opinion he smashes the image of scientists and brings a modern (and needed) and refreshed image. Even I can understand what he’s talking about because he makes it look and sound so easy.
