In Your Network: Trevor Philpott FRSA
Trevor Philpott FRSA speaks here about how small actions can make a difference and his urgent need to reform the penal system. He would like to speak to other Fellows who have a similar desire:
1) Please give a brief explanation of what it is you do and why?
Since retiring from the Royal Marines in 1997 I have been involved in the promotion of penal reform which, despite repeated government rhetoric for change, is sadly lacking. My efforts have included the establishment of a rehabilitation programme for young adult offenders and serving as a member of the CSJ Prison Reform Group. More recently, recognising the damaging impact that combat has on the mental health of veterans, with others I have been attempting to establish an alternative to custody and probation for military veteran offenders – the Veterans Change Partnership.
I also lead a small not for profit training company (Life Change UK), training others who work with hard to reach groups. The training promotes greater understanding as to why people behave as they do and how, by responding differently, staff and volunteers can achieve more effective and positive outcomes.
2) What did you join the Fellowship for?
I believe that my small endeavours complement the wider social aims of the RSA and that many Fellows hold similar beliefs regarding the need for urgent penal reform.
3) In what capacity do you think you could contribute to Fellowship/Society?
I hope that by working with others we can become more powerful in promoting increased awareness and change within the Justice System.
4) What would you change in society given the chance?
I would promote greater understanding as to why offenders tend to behave as they do, encouraging a shift away from the use of punishment as the primary means of promoting change, demonstrating that personal development, education and restorative justice are more effective. I would also include periods of compulsory volunteering as part of the core curriculum in schools, colleges and universities, thereby promoting greater understanding of the social needs within society.
5) What recent bit of news have you heard which inspires you?
I have been totally inspired by the courage and strength of military veteran amputees like Royal Marine Mark Ormrod and the idea of the ‘Gumpathon’ as a way to raise money for wounded veterans. The Gumpathoners - five British and one American serviceman - started at the USS Intrepid in New York City on 10 September and finished on the Santa Monica Pier in California on 11 November - Remembrance Day, or Veterans Day. Each day - rain, hail or shine - they ran up to 88 miles, keeping an average pace of 10 minutes per mile or less.
6) What did you learn last week?
Through the efforts of the Military Wives choir, I was reminded how the actions of the few can have a profound and positive impact upon so many others.
7) Tell us about another interesting Fellow you have spoken to.
After 22 years in the NHS, John Henden FRSA has been in the vanguard of the community mental health movement. John has become a leading international figure in the field of Solution Focused Brief Therapy. He has written a most enlightening book entitled Beating Combat Stress: 101 Techniques for Recovery aimed at helping veterans suffering with mental illness.
8) What would you like to connect with Fellows about? Please tell us if there is anything you would like from other Fellows
I would like to connect with those Fellows who empathise with our endeavours to help veterans in the justice system and who believe that they can assist in communicating the need for change and the advancement of the Military Covenant.
Your can contact Trevor:
By email or
Via LinkedIn
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