A letter to Members

Dear Member,

RE: Blind Veterans UK President 

I am writing to you today to inform you that our President, Colin Williamson, has decided to retire from his role at the end of this financial year (March 2026) following nine years as President and as a Blind Veterans UK Trustee. 

Firstly, I would like to personally thank Colin for his service to the charity in the more than 20 years he has worked and volunteered with us. He has served as President with distinction and on the board with integrity. I know you will join me in wishing him the very best in his retirement.

In accordance with the charity’s Articles of Association, the role of President must be filled by a Blind Veterans UK beneficiary. The Articles also state that a condition of the role is to serve on our Board of Trustees.

I know that our Membership has a fantastic breadth and depth of experience and that there will be several of you who would be able to fulfil the duties of the role both as President and as a Trustee.
These duties include, but are not limited to: representing Blind Veterans UK at events across the country, giving speeches about the charity, joining corporate and fundraising events, and attending regular board and committee meetings of the Blind Veterans UK Council. The commitment as a Trustee equates to approximately two days a month and the equivalent similar amount of time as President.

The Board of Trustees hold four in-person committee meetings a year in London and a number of committee meetings online.

I would urge any Members interested in becoming our next President to apply by emailing a CV of relevant experience and a covering letter outlining why you would be right for the role to Anna Longden at anna.longden@blindveterans.org.uk.  Anyone who requires any assistance on completing or submitting their application can call 0300 111 22 33. 

The closing date to receive applications is 15 August 2025.

Applicants will be shortlisted by a Nominations committee made up of Blind Veterans UK Trustees, in accordance with our Articles of Association. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for interview with the same committee. 

I would like to allow time for the successful applicant to shadow Colin in the role for the last two Board meetings of his tenure so would foresee interviews taking place in September.

I look forward to receiving the applications of interested Members and would like to end by once again thanking Colin for all he has done in service to Blind Veterans UK as just the sixth President of this charity in our over 110-year history.

Yours sincerely,
 
Adrian Bell
Chief Executive – Blind Veterans UK