TRUSTEES

Surf Action Trustees

Douglas Bell

Douglas Bell (Chairman)

Douglas started his career in teaching, having studied at Loughborough University, in the 1970s.
Moved to Scotland, after marrying in 1974, to lecture in sport & leisure at West Lothian College, before moving to become Assistant Head of Physical Education at a large comprehensive school just outside Edinburgh.
During the 1990s he created one of the largest independent sports retail & contract companies in Scotland, with 12 branches, before moving back into education, working again at West Lothian College. In conjunction with SCOTVEC, he assisted with the development of what became the basis of leisure & tourism qualifications, still used today. During this research he spent time working with a fitness operator in London, who lured him back into health & fitness development and sales & marketing.

Based in London, but still living in Scotland, he became the Sales & Marketing Director of Cybex International, before moving into the area of wellness, working with two German companies up until 2005.

The next step took him to Cornwall (wife Catherine is originally from Cornwall), where he and his family owned and operated Sunset Surf, at Gwithian. This was also his first contact with the charity, as he offered Sunset Surf as a base for the charity’s surfing activities and fundraising events. In 2014 he was invited to carry out a review of the charity’s activities and financial situation, which led to his appointment initially as an interim chairman. In consultation with The Charity Commission his appointment was confirmed and he has remained in the role for the last 7 years, supporting the operations team.

Douglas currently lives in Malmesbury, Wiltshire but his ‘roots’ still lie in Cornwall.

Still works as a sport & leisure consultant, member of CIMSPA and now holds an Honorary Degree from Loughborough.

 

Policy Document

- Surf-Action-Trustees


Trustee Board –
Trustee Role Description and Person Specification

 

Deborrah Harrison

Deborah Harrison MSc BA(Hons) DipCOT SFHEA

Deborah is an occupational therapist with extensive experience working in the NHS, in higher education and with charities. She works on a freelance basis teaching, supervising and mentoring students and healthcare professionals. She is registered with the Health Care and Professions Council and she is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Deborah worked in the NHS in mental health services, mainly as a part of inter professional community teams for 20 years. She has also held management and training roles in the NHS and higher education. From 2000 to 2018 she worked at the University of East Anglia teaching occupational therapy in mental health practice, psychology and qualitative research.

Deborah is also a trustee for The Baton; a charity raising awareness of life in the armed forces and their families and providing welfare support in collaboration with SSAFA – www.thebaton.co.uk

 

 

Deborrah Harrison

Alan Rowe - MBE

My wife and I have lived in the South West for 45 years. As an Island nation with coastlines and rivers we are all aware of how powerful the elements can be and rightly wary but being in or by the sea can also be a wonderful healer of the mind. I respect and admire what Surf Action has achieved and it’s potential for supporting veterans and their families, especially those affected by PTSD and physical injuries or those struggling to re-adjust to civilian life. 

I feel privileged to be considered for the role as Trustee and will do my very best to support the team and their future endeavours.