Date published: 03 June 2025 by Ellen Armour
Meet Chris, a dedicated volunteer at Rainbow Trust
Chris has seamlessly transitioned from a decades-long career in motor transport and IT to making a significant difference at Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity. His journey began as a mechanic, an early fascination with "how things worked" that would ultimately shape his entire professional life.
Can you explain what your role involves?
"My role at Rainbow Trust is quite varied, showcasing my broad skill set and willingness to help wherever needed. Beyond assisting with IT and facilities, I assist with the vital parts of the Cyber Essentials Plus cybersecurity accreditation. This involves hands-on tasks like laptop maintenance and managing the laptop replacement program, including setting up new machines. I also help with cybersecurity awareness training, scheduling the training and auditing non-compliant or unused laptops, ensuring Rainbow Trust's digital security is robust. I’m often busy setting up new machines for new starters and maintaining accurate laptop records, which can sometimes involve patiently waiting for Windows updates to complete!
"I’m also a keen volunteer at other events, including the Hook Beer Festival and a crazy golf event at Hatchlands. I also volunteer with a hedge-laying group for the Wey and Arun Canal Trust in Sussex, a skill I picked up as a teenager helping a farm labourer, manually cutting hedges and preparing hay bales on a farm in a Welsh village; to my current tech-focused volunteering. I would describe myself as always willing to help and having a calm and polite presence."
Why did you decide to start volunteering with Rainbow Trust?
"After retirement in May 2022, I heard about Rainbow Trust through a local magazine in Ashtead, and a conversation with a friend about volunteering cemented the idea. The opportunity literally dropped in my lap through the door."
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
"Starting as an apprentice in 1972, I spent 23 years at the Post Office in the Motor Transport division, which later became BT Motor Transport. My mechanical background quickly evolved through my 3 year apprenticeship and as a mechanic on the workshop floor at various workshops around South East London. I was lucky enough to be promoted to a Service Reception Engineer when a computer system was being rolled out throughout the country, my role was to service six workshops across South East London with worksheets, vehicle parts and service scheduling. I became instrumental in maintaining the ICL systems, ensuring smooth operations, running vital reports and collating data. My capability for understanding systems led to a swift promotion within 18 months, overseeing IT for all seven BT Motor Transport control centres across London until 1989.
"My expertise further expanded into quality auditing, I played a key role in auditing and developing a quality system for motor transport that led to the company achieving the prestigious BS5750 / ISO9001 accreditation for the first time.
"After leaving BT in 1995, I joined a software company, drawn by my background in computer system reporting. This company, initially Show Business Software, later becoming Gaiasoft International. Even after officially retiring in 2022, I continue to lend my valuable consulting skills to them, demonstrating a lifelong passion for technology.
"My roles there included building Management Information systems, being a Product Manager and in the later years configuring Cloud based platforms. Clients included Philips Electronics, Crossrail (which became the Elizabeth Line), Unilever and Smithkline Beecham."
What’s the best thing about volunteering?
"Working at Head Office is fantastic. I am extremely proud to be with Rainbow Trust, noting its high awards and recognition. My manager, Nik, is very good and knowledgeable, with excellent interpersonal skills. I sometimes admit to being slightly 'geeky', and meeting other people through this volunteering role is an added bonus.