Meet our Trustees: Clive Everest

Why did you choose to volunteer for Blue Cross?

Animals and pets in particular, have been important to me all my life. The love, companionship and support they give are boundless and their presence makes our house a home. Having seen at first hand the difference pets can make to peoples’ lives, I appreciate the importance of the Blue Cross to both pets and their owners in times of need, and hence have been a donor for many years.

When the opportunity came up to take a more active role in helping the charity by becoming a Trustee, I was delighted to accept.

What are your duties in your role as a Blue Cross Trustee?

I see my role, working alongside the other Trustees and the executives, as being to provide leadership and direction to the charity to ensure that the Blue Cross helps as many pets and owners as we possibly can, and that we preserve and grow the charity so that we in turn hand it on to future generations in a stronger and better state to continue the good work it has done since 1897.

Given my background, I hope to bring that experience to bear particularly in helping the charity in relation to delivering effective governance, risk management and controls.

What is your professional background?

I am a qualified chartered accountant with over 30 years’ experience, including 17 years as a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).

I am passionate about, and dedicated the last 20 years to, working with charities and the public sector. I held a number of executive responsibilities at PwC including leading their UK audit and assurance practice for not for profit clients.

For how long have you been a Trustee for Blue Cross?

I was co-opted to the Board in September 2016 and am a member of the Finance & Support and Audit & Risk Committees

What do you enjoy most about being a Blue Cross Trustee?

I would highlight two things: firstly the enjoyment one gets from working alongside the staff and volunteers at the Blue Cross, who are so committed to working for a cause I really believe in. During my induction process as a Trustee for example I was privileged to visit the Victoria Hospital and was inspired by the team’s attitude and desire to help our beneficiaries with two or four legs.

Secondly, there is a huge sense of personal satisfaction for me in helping pets. Every time I hear a good news story on a rehoming or successful treatment, or meet someone who has been supported by the charity, it makes me feel both happy and honoured to have been able to help make it happen.

Do you have any of your own pets?

I live with my wife, Ann, in Buckinghamshire. Pets, notably rehomed dogs and cats, have always been an integral part of our family. Currently we live with two dogs: our older dog, Mitch, a collie-cross who was initially rescued from Ireland; and Ollie, a border collie with whom we are learning agility to keep his active brain busy.