Ian Watson (Chair)
Ian was appointed as Chair of GASP in July 2019. He is a chartered accountant. He spent many years with PWC and is currently the part owner and CEO of a small consultancy business. He has many years of experience in both the private and charity sectors, particularly in relation to organisations going through change or those striving for improvement. He has significant governance experience gained though his roles as a non-executive committee member, director and/or trustee at a significant number of organisations. In the non-profit sector these include Homeless Link, Independent Age, McMaster University Trust, Phoenix House, Salvation Army Housing Association, The Connection at St Martin-In-The-Fields and The Eikon Charity.
Robert Pickles (Vice Chair)
Bob retired in the summer of 2020 after 32 years employed by Canon UK & Ireland, headquartered in Reigate. He held a series of senior roles at Canon, most recently as Head of Corporate & Government Affairs. Since retiring, he has been able to focus on a number of volunteer roles: he is a Trustee on two charity boards, a governor at Orbital South Colleges Group, and brings to GASP Motor Project very relevant experience, knowledge and connections as Chair of the Surrey County Council’s Employment and Skills Board. This board aims to represent the skills needs of Surrey employers, and to facilitate better relationships between local employers with skills stakeholders including education/training providers and other skills organisations. Bob loves walking in the Surrey Hills as often as possible.
John Chaplin
John and his wife Bela had provided funding for our work at GASP for several years before he joined the GASP Board in February 2018. He presented an award at our second Awards event at McLaren in 2015, in his capacity as Chairman of both ExxonMobil International and the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers. Now retired from those roles, his strategic experience in the global oil industry and his engineering interests are a great fit for GASP – he built a Caterham 7 in his garage, where he’s now working on a plane!
Ian Digman
Ian is an Automotive Engineer who once rebuilt a Mini engine on his mother’s kitchen table. He has been in the car industry ever since graduation 3 decades ago. His career has spanned Engineering, Business Strategy, Sales and Marketing for companies as wide as Ford, Nissan, McLaren and EV start ups. He returned to England after 17 years abroad having experienced life in Germany, China and Switzerland and has made Guildford home with his wife and daughter. A self-confessed petrolhead, GASP gives him chance to use professional skills to pass on enthusiasm and knowledge to the next generation.
Stephen Drury
Stephen is a solicitor and partner in the City of London based international law firm Holman Fenwick Willan LLP. He has an international practice representing principally clients involved in the shipping industry. Stephen was brought up in Surrey and has lived in the Guildford area since 1988 following his return from Hong Kong. He is an active oarsman and a licensed British Rowing umpire, and is happy to bring his interests and skillsets to further the work of GASP.
Margaret Jack
Margaret worked as a senior manager in the Higher Education sector for over 20 years. Since she retired, she has used her skills and experience as a volunteer and is currently a member of the Council at Royal Holloway, University of London, a Trustee of the Daphne Jackson Trust and several smaller grant giving charities. In the past she was Chair of the Corporation at Godalming 6th Form College and a Trustee of the Guildford Institute. Margaret has expertise in strategic planning, business planning and development, constructing and managing partnerships, people management, fund-raising, marketing and PR.
David Halliwell
David was appointed as a GASP Trustee, Treasurer and Company Secretary in December 2021. After graduating with a mathematics degree from Oxford, he spent the first 30 years of his career working in the defence industry, where he was the founder of an engineering consultancy, followed by roles as an independent technical consultant and school bursar. He currently works part time for Surrey Youth Focus, the children’s infrastructure and co-ordination charity. Outside of work he is a regular runner, walker and kayaker, is a school governor and treasurer/trustee for a number of local organisations. Brought up in Hong Kong, he is married with 2 adult sons.
Nick Elliot
Nick started as a teacher in 2004 and has worked across many schools in South West London and Surrey as a pastoral, curriculum and senior leader. Nick is currently the Headteacher at The North East Surrey Short Stay School which works with vulnerable young people to increase their life choices. Nick became a Trustee after seeing the excellent work at GASP and the positive influence it had on so many.
Lynne Regan
Lynne joined GASP in September 2016 as our Programmes Coordinator. Lynne significantly developed our relationships with schools and referring organisations, retiring from post in April 2023. We are thrilled that Lynne has decided to stay on in the position of Trustee. Her passion for GASP is evident to all who speak to her.