Community

Gary Phillips – Vice Chair

I am a Reach parent who’s Reach child is now 21 years old. We have been members since he was born, and I have been a trustee previously for 18 years including several periods as Chairman and Vice-Chairman. I live in Surrey and work in Public Sector IT.  

 I have a wide range of IT and Project management skills and extensive experience in charity governance gained over 25 years in roles including School Governor, Reach and other non-profit organisations.  

 As a trustee I will work to rebuild the family feel of Reach and recruit new head office staff who can empathise and support our members as did the previous staff. I will ensure that the staff are valued and enabled to run the charity on a day-to-day basis without interference but supported by the trustees.  

I would also like to see the Branch Coordinators and branches strengthened and look to continue to expand opportunities for members to meet. I would like to see increased opportunities for the older Reach child 14-18 who are the charities future and the 18-25 year old Reach Children who have a lot to offer the charity whether it is as a mentor for the Reach Activity Week, helping with workshops at the Family Weekend or simply as a role model but they also deserve to be supported with activities to help them grow and enhance their experiences.