Rob Burke

I'm a software engineer, recently retired, with interests in Rotary, hill walking, photography and curling. I'm a director of two other volunteer organisations:Perth Left Bank Community Development Trust <http://www.perthleftbank.org.uk>, and Geograph Project <http://www.geograph.org.uk>.

I started helping Giraffe in 2008 when I was looking for a way to continue using my IT skills for a worthwhile purpose. I provide computer and web site support to Giraffe, and to its partner CheckIn Works.

James Alexander

 James Alexander, Manager of CheckIn Works and Giraffe Trading CIC

James moved to Perth in 2007 after working within the social care and education field in Glasgow and Ayrshire for 15 years. He set up CheckIn Works and the volunteer employment support Buddy Scheme as a way of providing more effective help for people wishing to gain work experience and paid employment within mainstream jobs.

James is pleased that he’s also been involved closely with leading the growth of CheckIn’s partner, the social enterprise Giraffe Trading . He’s amazed, on a daily basis, with what can be achieved when job-seekers, volunteers, staff and Board members have an enthusiastic ‘can do’ attitude.

In his spare time James sits on the Board of the local mental health charity PlusPerth and is a Director of the local branch of the RHS.

Rose Butcher

I currently work for Scottish & Southern Energy; previously I have worked in the care sector, catering and many years ago was in the Army.

We have a son who has Fragile X Syndrome and whilst looking for help regarding employment for him I became aware of this fledgling group, the CheckIn Works.

We received this diagnosis for our son when he was 8 years old; prior to this we did not know why our lives were not the same as many of our friends. I took an active part from the start and chaired the School Boards of all 3 schools my children attended as I felt that attitudes needed changing and more positivity needed to be given to young people and adults with any disability. This brought me into contact with a large and diverse number of people.

I now have a good network of friends and acquaintances and understand the day to day problems faced by many people, and very frustratingly many basic simple things that most of us take for granted but are essential, are impossible for a small section of our community, however with a little support mountains can be climbed and individuals like my son can take their place and be a contributing member of our society, it makes you wonder why this has never been done before?

I am delighted to offer my full support to this project as it is setting a standard for Perth.

Mark Cobb

I first became associated with Check-In in the winter of 2009 after attending the Buddy Course.  I felt that I could contribute to the community in a meaningful way in my spare time.  It soon became apparent that I might be suited to Board membership given my professional background and my involvement with Check-In / Giraffe started to lean towards the Giraffe Board of Directors.  My background consists of 18 years of service with the Royal Air Force as a fighter pilot, instructor and deputy squadron commander.  I am presently employed as a training captain with easyJet at Edinburgh Airport.