Our Staff Team

I am from Aviemore and studied Outdoor Education in the Community at the University of Strathclyde between 2002-2007.  I spent a few years working in the adventure sports industry in Canada before returning to the area in 2013.   I have volunteered with various local organisations and have worked for National Governing Bodies, High Life Highland and Highland and Islands Enterprise over the last decade.  I enjoy travelling and exploring the outdoors with my wife Jacqueline and our cocker spaniel Rosa.    

My name is Derek and I am the Minibus Driver/Vehicle Manager.  As part of my day I may be asked to shop, deliver shopping, delivery prescriptions, transport clients to various locations, deliver items and various other duties.  

​

It is very rewarding and can be very busy.

​

​

​

My role within the company is to engage with both individuals and groups and look for ways to lessen social isolation and loneliness.  

In my spare time, I volunteer for various local community projects and enjoy spending time with my family.

​

​

​

​

I have now been with the charity for 14 years! My role includes everything to do with finance as well as managing areas related to governance, such as arranging board meetings and our AGM. You’ll find me in the office most days supporting the team and doing all the day-to-day tasks involved in keeping the charity running smoothly.  

​

​

​

I have a few functions in BSCX. On a Monday I answer the phones and perform office admin tasks, and on Tuesdays I help the team out with some IT activities. I also drive the mini-buses when needed. 

When not at BSCX, I volunteer for Abilitynet (an IT support charity for the elderly and vulnerable) and travel about in my camper.

With a dedicated group of volunteers, I arrange meetings for people who live alone or who may feel socially isolated.  Meetings can be regular 1-to-1 blethers or regular small events to help bring people together, giving opportunities for people to try out new things or old things they used to enjoy.

​

Originally from Newtonmore, I followed a career working for the John Lewis Partnership. I supported BSCX for several months in 2009 through a "Golden Jubilee Trust" attachment, sponsored by the JLP.

I have supported several voluntary organisations over the years and have recently moved back to the Valley having retired.

My role as Office Manager includes dealing with queries, general office administration and includes the booking of all transport-related journeys.  

​

​

​

​