Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your job?

I am a Commander in the Royal Navy – currently employed at HMNB CYLDE in a Logistics post, I am a qualified submariner and also a Naval Barrister. So I have had a fairly interesting and diverse career to date. 

Did you have any role models growing up?

I’m not sure that I did to be honest. 

How important do you think it is to have visible role models within the workplace?

The power of a visible role model cannot be underestimated. To be able to look to someone in your workplace, at any rank or level, who is open about their sexual Orientation or Gender Identity, just helps to reinforce the point that you are valued for your skills, knowledge and experience and that diversity is not a bar to success. To know that you are free to express your identity just enables you to focus more on the day job. 

What are you most proud of?

The role that I played with RN COMPASS, the Naval service LGBT Network, as Chair for 5 years. Working with the Network, Navy Command and wider defence to enable Defence to be one at the vanguard of Diversity and Inclusion and hoping that I made a small difference. 

What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?

That you shouldn’t worry about what others think of you – you only get one life be happy. 

What is on your bookshelf?

I love a good travel book – I’m an armchair explorer. 

What is on your bucket list?

Cycling Land’s End to John O’Groats 

So what do you do for fun?

I run, cycle, climb hills and enjoy good food and wine! 

Dinner Party: Who would you invite?

My mum (who died when I was a baby) 

How would you describe yourself in FIVE words?

Smiley
Husband
Athletic
Gay
Dad 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If my work supporting DRM helps one person per class to be themselves, or prevents one person per class from using hateful language, then I have succeeded.