I have worked in an accountancy practice since leaving school in 1972. I am a qualified chartered accountant (FCA) and I am Managing Partner in Clifton House Partnership – a long established four partner practice in Cardiff. Looking after the financial affairs of hundreds of small and medium sized enterprises has given me a very wide range of skills and experience in the financial affairs of all types and size of business and voluntary groups. I believe that the Trust can benefit from that experience and that I am well placed to deal with the financial regulations to which we must adhere.

I am well versed in dealing with information of a confidential and/ or sensitive nature as well as the requirement for transparency in the financial dealings of the Trust. I am confident that I can make a positive contribution to the future of our fledgling organisation. My practice has acted as auditor for governing bodies and area associations in Welsh sport. I have personally acted for professional sportsmen and entertainers and have a good understanding of the issues facing individuals and organisations involved in sport.

I am encouraged by the enthusiasm and progress made by the group and I am a firm believer that the Trust can fulfil a role that can be of benefit to the rugby club and its supporters. As a lover of tradition I am particularly keen to play even a minor part in helping to preserve the heritage of a great club

I was born in Cardiff and have lived here all my life. I attended three different schools in the Canton area and played rugby at all school age levels. My interest in the game was encouraged by having the late Howard Norris as our games teacher in 2 of those schools. I regularly attended Cardiff RFC games in the late 1960’s courtesy of the complimentary tickets provided by Howard.

I have been a season ticket holder at Cardiff for the last 15 years or so

My sporting career was in the round ball game and I was proud to have represented Wales at schoolboy and semi- pro levels. I was manager and later Chairman of a Welsh League football club for many years and have extensive experience in sports administration. In the voluntary sector I served as governor in a primary school for seven years followed by a 10 year term with a local sixth form college. I am currently an advisor for Tax Volunteers ( a charity ) and I am the founder of a fund raising group for a Welsh children’s’ charity. In that role I have been directly responsible for raising almost £300k in support of Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales. I was a very proud torch bearer in Cardiff alongside Sam Warburton for the 2012 Olympics and was awarded the British Empire Medal for charitable work the following year.

You many contact Derek if you wish to ask him a question.