MEET OUR TRUSTEES

CHAIR

Duncan was dismissed from the Royal Navy in 1995 after he reported an attempted blackmail. He joined Rank Outsiders and became Campaigns Director and later Chair. During the campaign he  cared for many being discharged. He led the campaign to lift the ban and was one of the four challenging the UK in the European Court of Human Rights; setting the precedent which declared the ban unlawful.  The new rules and support mechanisms were prepared by Duncan and Rank Outsiders in cooperation with the MOD.

Duncan continued giving peer-to-peer support to victims. In 2012, Duncan started conversations with military leaders and MPs about reconciliation and restitution.

A tireless campaigner he changed anti-gay legislation on two further occasions in the Criminal Justice Acts and in the Merchant Shipping Acts. He was also involved in other areas of equalities including improving recruitment from the global majority, women in full careers and opening up the performing arts to excluded groups. He campaigned to restore medals for dismissed Service personnel. He persuaded English Heritage to recognise more members of the global majority in the Blue Plaque Scheme.

Duncan’s became Commodore of a Merchant Shipping Line, CEO of a firm of solicitors, Deputy Director General of the Advertising Standards Authority and senior instructor with easyJet. He now Chairs of Brighton Fringe, the second largest Fringe in the world.

Duncan holds several awards including the Stonewall Equality Award and the Mike Rhodes Award. He was nominated for a BAFTA for a feature length documentary he advised and appeared in and also an Iris award where another film short.

SECRETARY

Paul served as a Lance Corporal with the Royal Highland Fusiliers Regimental Band, with postings to Berlin and Kenya, before his discharge in 1988. He then pursued a career in catering and event management. In 2020, after leaving the event management sector, Paul and his husband bought a coffee house, which they ran for five wonderful years before retiring.

As the charity’s secretary, Paul is deeply committed to supporting its work. He helps organise activities, manages the website, and shares veterans’ stories online. His strong background in event management equips him with excellent organisational and administrative skills that benefit the charity daily.

In retirement, Paul and his husband enjoy travelling across the UK, especially to London, and have recently developed a passion for food photography.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Janice served in the Intelligence Corps of the British Army until her discharge in 1994, before going on to a 20-year career as a Police Officer. After leaving the force in 2015, she retrained as an Approved Driving Instructor and now lives on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland.

As the charity’s Social Media lead, Janice is passionate about supporting LGBT veterans, helping to share their stories, and raising awareness of the challenges they face. Her background in service and public duty gives her a deep connection to the community she represents, and she is committed to using her role to amplify voices and foster understanding.

Outside of her work, Janice enjoys life on the island with her wife Michelle. They have a mutual love of travelling, rescuing animals and spending time out on the water. 

SALES MANAGER

MARKETING DIRECTOR

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER