New chief executive for veterans’charity
A top Renfrewshire charity has a new boss.
Ian Cumming has been appointed as chief executive of Erskine, which cares for ex-servicemen and women.
Wing Commander Cumming was in the RAF for 27 years, and served in the regiment that specialises in protecting overseas operations bases, headquarters and airfields from enemy or terrorist attack.
He served in the UK, Europe, America, Middle East and Asia, and also completed multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In addition, he served as a United Nations Military Observer during the Cambodian Civil War and Head of RAF Corporate Communication for two years.
His final role in the RAF was as Military Liaison Officer to the Pentagon and White House.
Ian was awarded an MBE in 2007 for his work in Basra whilst Commanding Officer of No 51 Squadron, RAF Regiment.
After leaving the RAF Mr Cumming worked as Director of Fundraising and Communications for the charity Guideposts in addition to being Director and Trustee of Vale House, a dementia care home in Oxford.
He joins Erskine from Carewatch Home Care Services where he is currently Deputy Managing Director.
Born in Glasgow and brought up in Falkirk, he says happy to be returning to Scotland with his wife and family.
He added:“I am thrilled to be joining Erskine because the charity holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of Scotland and the wider Services family.
“I spent more than 25 years serving with RAF Regiment specialist teams providing military personnel with a safe and secure home, despite operational challenges overseas.
“Therefore, after a number of years in charity and commercial social care, I feel driven to return to my roots and join Erskine, a charity that provides veterans and their families with the safe home, care and support they need to face challenges of a different nature, post-Service.
“I am immensely grateful to (Erskine chairman) Robin Crawford and The Board for this opportunity and am indebted to current chief executive Steve Conway and my new colleagues for helping Erskine to achieve such iconic status.
“I look forward to joining the team and working with our remarkable army of volunteers and donors, to achieve remarkable things.”
Mr Crawford said:“I am delighted to welcome Ian Cumming to Erskine as our new Chief Executive.
“Ian has had a distinguished career serving with the RAF Regiment and his post service employment experience is very relevant to the needs of Erskine.
“I look forward to working with him as we continue to develop Erskine’s work within the veteran community.”