We have 12 Delegates who have nominated themselves to sit on the Delegate Focus Group and offer their insights and opinions on our plans to make Health Shield the best health cash plan provider in the market.

• We have taken onboard feedback from the 2022 AGM to make you all aware of the nominees in advance of the vote.
• A vote to approve the final 12 Delegate Focus Group members will take place at the October Delegate Business Update and Lunch by a show of hands.
• The 12 Delegates who have nominated themselves are listed below and contact details are provided.

Meet the Delegates

Douglas Forsyth

Contact: dforsyth1947@gmail.com

My name is Douglas Forsyth. I am 75 years young and live in Falkirk with my wife. We have two grown-up sons.

My working life was all spent on the clerical side of the railways at Glasgow, Edinburgh, Mallaig and Fort Wiliam.

I joined the then Transport Hospital Fund, now Health Shield, in 1962 and have been a delegate since 1998. Unfortunately, I had to take ill health retirement in 2006 but I am still fulfilling my position as a delegate. I would be delighted to join the Focus Group if elected.

Having been part of Health Shield for the past sixty years, I feel I am in a great position to pass on the benefits of my organisational skills.

John Whittingham

Contact: whittingham50@hotmail.com

I have worked for British Rail in the Traffic Dept since 1989 and then after privatisation for Northern West Trains, First North Western, and lastly Arriva Trains Wales. This has given me a great insight into why we need such health providers as Health Shield.

With my experience of work and life in general, I feel I would be an asset to the discussion and would represent the interests of the Health Shield members.

Should I be elected to the Forum Group, I would endeavour to do my best for our Health Shield members, which in turn would help to progress Health Shield as one of the major providers of health schemes for the public at large.

Richard Swain

Contact: richaydan44@gmail.com

I work within the railway industry as a train driver and have been a member of Health Shield for over 30 years. I have been continually supportive of the direction and changes that have been made over the years to ensure that the Society is the success that it currently is today. I wish to support and help direct the future direction of the Society whilst remaining true to the core beliefs and values of Health Shield.

Paul Pritz

Contact: paulpritz@aol.com

I have been a Chief Steward of onboard catering service before progressing to daily onboard operation duties. I have worked at multiple locations throughout the UK rail network. My membership with Health Shield goes back to the 1970's.

During the last 30 years or so in addition to my paid employment I have been involved in the voluntary sector varying from a LEA School Governor, Schools Admission Appeals Panel (Lay Member), Board Member and Director of a Large Housing Group Charity, Citizens Advice Advisor, Social Club Treasurer, and have recently been appointed as a Trustee to a large Friendly Society (not Health Shield).

Neil Chandler

Contact: rail9.sncf@virgin.net

Health Shield, or Transport Hospital Fund, as it was when I joined in the '70s has helped myself and Sue, my wife of 50 years, plus two daughters throughout all that time. I would like to go forward with other Delegates, if elected, and give something back.

I spent 9 years as Aircrew with the Royal Navy, followed by 40 years with British Rail/First Group. I was NUR/RMT rep for many years. Most of the time I was Guard/Train Manager working between Penzance and London. 40 years later, with the withdrawal of the HST125s, I called it a day but after a month was bored to tears and took a part-time job at Exeter Airport. Four years on and I'm a full-time Passenger Service Agent and Staff rep. Helping others is important to me and hope I can do this if elected.

David G. Hill

Contact: davidghill@btinternet.com

I'm originally from Crewe but have now lived in Chester for many years. I’m a third-generation member of Health Shield and have been a member for over 30 years.

I originally worked for the railways before joining Cheshire Police and enjoying a successful 32-year career, retiring as a Chief Inspector. On retirement from the Police, I ran a small business part-time and was also Town Manager for a market town in North Wales for 12 years.

I believe I have significant organisational, creative and problem-solving skills that can help Health Shield to positively develop, whilst still retaining its traditional roots. I’m skilled at chairing meetings and have significant experience in project management, training and development, people management, and marketing.

Gill Turner

Contact: gill52@blueyonder.co.uk

I have lived in Gillingham all my life and been married for forty years to my husband Laurie. I have three children, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and another due in February. Laurie was a train driver for forty seven years and we joined Health shield when it was the Hospital Transport Fund about 35 years ago. When he retired I took over the membership 14 years ago. I worked for Southeastern Railway in the ticket office and as a Conductor/Guard. I still work when I can for TRACSIS doing customer counts.

Keith Martin

Contact: keithmartin641@gmail.com

I am a retired railway worker. For the last twenty years, I have been a Health Shield Delegate. I am a good focus group member because of my experience in working with trade unions, representing the interests of employees and protecting their rights and working conditions. I am still an active member, involved in recruiting new union members and highlighting the benefits of union membership. These skills are transferable to my Health Shield work. I am a friendly and outgoing person. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, watching football and cricket and travelling abroad.

Olive Blair

Contact: olive_blair22@hotmail.co.uk

I have lived in Watford for 27 years. I previously lived in Chester where I brought up my four children, then I moved down here to find work. I started working with Virgin Trains in 2000. I was with Virgin as a customer service assistant until 2018 when I retired.

I didn't much like retirement, so I returned to what I knew best, the railway. I have been with London Northwestern railway ever since. I can bring to the group my ideas, and I'm not afraid to have my say. I'm very punctual, and approachable.

Rachel James

Contact: racheljames61@gmail.com

I have completed 42 years of service on the railway at various locations which included Paddington, Waterloo, Kings Cross stations, and a few smaller stations. I've also had various jobs around the country with TEB Telephone Enquiry Bureau at Birmingham New Street, working my way up to Customer Services Manager at St Pancras Station for East MidlandsTrains.

I feel I would be a good member of this group, and coming from an ethnic background I hope this will encourage others and open the door so that they may wish to take on the role in the future and maybe one day get a position on the board. I am willing to learn and pass what I have learned on to the members of this organization.

Robin Allen

Contact: allen_robin@icloud.com

I have been a Heath Shield Delegate for over 30 years. I worked for Network Rail for over 40 years as a Relief Signalman and later Mobile Operations Manager.

Having been a Delegate for 30 years, a School Governor, LDC Rep and my experience in my job, I have considerable skills in listening, analysing problems and coming up with constructive questions, analysis and possible resolutions for the benefit of the Delegates and Board alike.

I have also been involved in progressing solutions demonstrating my ability to see things through to the end. I have always been someone who talks to colleagues and makes myself aware of the issues they are facing.

Alan Phizacklea

Contact: alan_phiz@hotmail.com

My involvement with Health Shield began in 1974 (I know, a lifetime ago), when I first became involved in the management of the Society's investment portfolio, something I continued to do for most of the following 23 years.

Although I have chaired all of the sub-committees of the board at one time or another, my main area of focus or responsibility has been on the investment portfolio, and the policy that directs the overall investment of the investment fund. The fund is the main asset that supports the Society and therefore is of major importance in underpinning the level of benefits that we offer our members.