Richard Meade is Marie Curie's head of policy and public affairs in Scotland
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at work?
I read the Scottish Parliament’s business bulletin and scan the newspapers. I like to know what is happening and see if there are any opportunities for Marie Curie.
How many hours do you normally work in a week?
I am a big believer in the work-life balance, so I do try to work no more than 40 hours a week. However, the nature of the job means that this isn’t always possible, and so I do work some evenings and weekends, but I don’t mind too much as I enjoy the job.
What are you working on at the moment?
March is Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal, where we encourage as many people as possible to buy daffodil pins to wear for the month. For the last few years we have held a successful week of activity in the Scottish Parliament to promote the appeal and the work of the charity. It involves a three day exhibition in the member’s lobby, as well as an evening reception in the garden lobby where over100 staff and volunteers from all over Scotland attend. This year, for the third year in a row, our host, Linda Fabiani MSP, has been able to secure a member’s debate which gives MSPs a chance to discuss issues that are important to us. Pulling all this activity together takes a huge team effort, but it is always worthwhile.
I actually had my job interview the day before my wedding! I got the news I had been successful during my honeymoon, hanging off the side of a fishing boat in Loch Awe trying to get a phone signal.
Richard Meade
Is it better to work for a big or a small charity?
I haven’t worked for too many small charities, so perhaps it is difficult for me to compare. I enjoy working for big charities, as not only do you have that national recognition and reach, but you get to work with lots of people from different parts of the organisation, which for policy and parliamentary work is hugely beneficial.
Should Scottish branches of UK charities try to keep their own identity?
I do believe there is an advantage to having a Scottish identity within a UK charity. At the same time I also think it is good for local services within large charities to build their own identities within the communities they serve. It is important for people to know and feel that local services reflect their needs and that they have a connection with the charity beyond what they might see on a TV advert.
Why do you work in the third sector?
The third sector is about change, optimism and hope, and making sure no one in society is left behind. I am always impressed by those that work on the frontline delivering services to some of the most vulnerable people in society. Playing a part in supporting that work has always meant a great deal to me.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I have been lucky enough to be involved in a number of successful campaigns during my career and it would be difficult to pick one over the other. However, recently, Marie Curie worked with the Scottish Government on the new Carers (Scotland) Act to ensure that people caring for someone living with a terminal illness will get their adult carer support plans/young carers statements fast tracked. Carers are so often overlooked and particularly those caring for someone with a terminal illness, so to be involved in making this happen has been a real highlight.
Who is or was your role model?
I have been lucky enough to work with some amazing people over the years who have taught me a great deal. In my spare time I love to run and my running hero is Emil Zátopek, a Czech runner who won three gold medals at the 1952 Olympics in the 5000m, 10000m and the marathon. He only entered the marathon at the last minute and it was his first marathon!
If you could give one piece of advice what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Don’t be afraid to learn from them. Trust in others. Always do you best. Not sure if that that’s one piece or four, but I’ve always tried to follow that advice.
How did you end up in your job?
The chance to work for a great organisation like Marie Curie, which was taking a new, more proactive approach to public affairs and about to go through a brand refresh was too good not to go for. I actually had my job interview the day before my wedding! I got the news I had been successful during my honeymoon, hanging off the side of a fishing boat in Loch Awe trying to get a phone signal.
Is this a step on the ladder to success or your final destination?
I am very happy where I am at the moment and I plan to be at Marie Curie for quite a few years. At some point in the future I would like the chance to work in a statutory environment, maybe the Scottish Government or an NHS Board. I would also be interested in working for a small charity too, but I guess it would all depend on the job and the charity.
What motivates you?
Change. Margaret Mead (no relation) once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” I think this quote sums up the motivation of many that work in the third sector.
What’s your favourite film and why?
Hmmm… there are almost too many to choose from. For me, my earliest film and cinema experiences revolved around the first Star Wars films, especially The Empire Strikes Back. The sight of Luke Skywalker losing his hand and Han Solo being captured and not rescued had a profound effect on me. I couldn’t quite understand why the good guys hadn’t won the day. I think it was my first reality check that things don’t always work out how you want them to. Also the Millennium Falcon was so cool in that film.
Would your 18-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
I would hope so. In my later teens I was a little misguided and not 100% sure what I wanted to do with my life. At 18 I made a conscious decision that I wanted to go to university and particularly go into some kind of public service (at first I thought I wanted to be a civil servant). That decision gave me a lot of focus and although there have been a few bumps along the way, I think this is the kind of thing my 18 year old self had in mind when making that decision.
Brian Denis Cox or Brian Edward Cox?
This is quite possibly one of the best questions I have ever been asked! I genuinely like both, but if forced to pick it would have to be Brian Edward Cox. I love space and physics and he brings it to life in a way that everyone can relate to and understand. His enthusiasm is infectious. I am going to see him in Edinburgh in September and I cannot wait!
