We're so proud of you - CEO's praise for HM Coastguard volunteers

She met almost the entire team at Greenock as she called in at bases in Glasgow and Aberdeen on her continuing tour of the UK to meet hundreds of colleagues.

The deep knowhow of thousands of volunteers was on display when Virginia spoke with two Coastguard Rescue Officers with more than 90 years’ service between them.

Virginia was introduced to the two at Glasgow Marine Office, astonished by the level of commitment on show from Girvan’s Station Officer Craig Thomson and Deputy Station Officer Peter Gardner. They are among the service’s longest serving Coastguards having been in the organisation since 1972 and 1982 respectively.

The day had begun with a discussion with surveyors and support staff, with a ‘genuine’ chance for the team to discuss their working ups and downs with their new chief executive.

Head of Stability and Plan Approval Malcolm MacLean said it was a unique opportunity to discuss the good, as well as the bad, with a new CEO.

“It really matters to everyone that she came,” Malcolm, who has worked for the MCA for more than 20 years, said. “We know that we are one of the more remote locations from HQ and we are very appreciative that she has made the effort.

“Not just to make the trip but to then offer us a genuine chance to discuss our work and really listen. We’ve established a relationship with our CEO now, and we all liked her too.”

From Glasgow, Virginia headed north beside the Clyde to Greenock to be met for a Q&A by the majority of the Greenock team as well as Station Officers and Deputy Stations Officers from Ardrossan, Dunoon, Largs, Kames and Helensburgh, led by Senior Coastal Operations Officer Steve Muldoon.

The team in Greenock is thriving and even has a waiting list for people to join – a shining example to have shown the chief executive.

Speaking at the base, shared with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, Virginia told them:

“It’s impossible to deliver the service without you. Whether it’s been for three, four, five years or more, it’s such a significant life commitment, especially in these times. We’re so proud of you.

“When I go to Westminster and sit with the Secretary of State or the Minister, or I sit down with industry, I know I have had this conversation with you and know your stories – they stick in people’s minds.

“The most important thing I can do is be available to you, on the front line – it's how problems are solved and averted.”

Issues discussed included raising public awareness of HM Coastguard, improving emergency services’ coordination, property maintenance, kit supply, and driving under blue lights.

In fact, there were so many questions from the enthusiastic assembly that after nearly two hours a planned demonstration was called off to make time.

Melody Campbell, whose day job is a housing officer, has volunteered with the team for four years. She said:

“I think it’s a great thing to have the CEO visit. We have never had anything like this.

“It’s a positive thing to get to see the people in charge and meet them face to face.”

The next day went from west coast to east, where Virginia arrived at the Aberdeen Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to be met by Divisional Commander Matt Mackay.

Matt said: “The staff really do appreciate seeing the head of their organisation make the time to visit and understand their thoughts.”

After viewing the control room and meeting colleagues in the business support team, Virginia talked and had lunch with a panel of five coastguard commanders, discussing training, electric vehicles and support for staff.

Calum Christie, Coastal Operations Area Commander, said afterwards:

“It’s nice to put a face to a name. It was very interesting to understand her points of view. It was very open and transparent.”

It was the turn of the specialists next with briefings from offshore energy liaison officers Peter Lawson and Julia Stringer; followed by discussions with standards officers’ Andrew Hume and Jonathan Mustard.

Jonathan said:

“It was a pleasure and fantastic opportunity to meet with Virginia. 

“It was clear to see the enthusiasm, understanding and positivity she will bring to the organisation as well as willingness to listen to how each area of the business works and interacts.

“It was fantastic to meet the new CEO and have the chance to have an honest and open conversation about my role.”