The Ripple Pond is pleased to announce the appointment of Brigadier Andrew Wood as new Chair of the Board of Trustees, with effect from 01 July 2022
Brigadier Andrew Wood has served in the Armed Forces for 40 years, having begun his military career with the Royal Naval Reserve during the Falklands campaign in 1982.
After an initial four years served in mine countermeasures as a seaman, Andrew transferred to the Territorial Army, in order to conduct bomb disposal training as a sapper in the Royal Engineers.
Andrew commissioned as an officer at Sandhurst in 1992, and shortly after qualified as an Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operator. Andrew saw active service commanding the EOD detachment in Bosnia in 1997, and subsequently served on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. His final role was as Deputy Director Land Warfare.
Outside of his military career, Andrew is also an executive Coach and Mentor, having directly supported both clinical and non-clinical staff in the NHS throughout the COVID 19 pandemic. In addition, he also coaches within the Mission Gender Equity programme, building the pipelines and representation of women in leadership and board level roles.
Speaking of his appointment as Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Ripple Pond, Andrew said:
“My time spent in the ranks has served me well – it has shaped me as an officer over the last thirty years, allowing me to better understand the pressures facing young service men and women. Whilst service personnel and veterans face numerous challenges, their service families are often facing challenges of their own. It is for this reason that I am passionate about taking on the role of Chair of Trustees, in order to serve more service families.”
Rodger Cartwright, Director of The Ripple Pond, said:
“It is an absolute pleasure to welcome aboard our new Chair of Trustees for The Ripple Pond, Brigadier Andrew Wood TD VR MA rcds. He is an exceptionally warm and compassionate leader, who brings to the charity an amazing portfolio of skills, experience, and strategic vision.
The Ripple Pond is growing rapidly, and our members face ever-increasing challenges; the struggling economy, overwhelmed health services and international tensions. In these difficult times, Andrew is the right person to lead the charity forward in its mission to improve the lives of military families – service, veteran, regular and reservist.
His values, personality and drive will help to ensure that as we grow, we will continue to be an amazingly caring, listening, and effective charity.”
Andrew succeeds Jennifer Hornby, who joined The Ripple Pond as a Trustee in February 2019, and was appointed Chair in February 2020.
“Over the past two and a half years as Chair and an initial year as a Trustee, I have seen this life changing charity go from strength to strength.
The unique support The Ripple Pond provides through connecting and empowering our members and the impact of that support has been truly incredible to be a part of. The strength and resilience of our members, as well as the skill and dedication of our team, has been a consistent source of inspiration to me.
I leave the charity in a strong position, with a bright future ahead, and an outstanding new Chair to steer the next phase of The Ripple Pond’s history. I joined The Ripple Pond because I too have been impacted by the service of a loved one, so I shall always be a firm supporter of the charity and its cause.”
If you are supporting a family member who has been physically or psychologically affected by their service, The Ripple Pond is here to provide you with the support that you deserve.
The only registered UK charity solely supporting the adult family members of physically or psychologically injured British Forces personnel and veterans
Registered Charity Number 1161224 | Scottish Charity Number SC046402
