STUART HOWELLS

Before retirement, Stuart had a wide-ranging 35-year career in banking, ultimately specialising in heading up Risk Management and Assurance functions across the NatWest Group. In addition, he was an Executive Leadership Coach developing appropriate culture across Senior Managers and Executives. He prides himself on leading highly successful and diverse teams across the UK. Stuart qualified as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a Chartered Banker.

Stuart has been heavily involved in national charities as a trustee, as Vice-Chair of the UK Scouts and now as a trustee of the RSPCA. In addition to his professional background, he has become an expert in the governance of federated charities. Through his work with the Scouts, where he is also Chair of the Nottinghamshire Scouts, Stuart has a huge interest in the education of young people, both formal and non-formal. He is a trustee and Director of the Nova Education Trust, covering 15 schools across the East Midlands.

He can frequently be found volunteering at his local RSPCA animal shelter and doting on his cats, Frodo and Reggie. Stuart totally disagrees with W C Fields, who coined the phrase "never work with children or animals".

Why TOUGH TO TALK?

Stuart is committed to Tough To Talk as he has seen how difficult it can be for, especially men, to open up about their true feelings. Many stereotypically want to be seen to be “tough” and therefore find it really tough to talk. If Tough To Talk can prevent just one suicide it will be a success.