Facilitator and chair
Are you looking for someone to chair a conference, seminar or debate, or act as master of ceremonies? If so, please get in touch. As Chair of the National Liberal Club from 2018 to 2021, it was my job to welcome visitors, host dinners and chair meetings. It is a role I have greatly enjoyed, and I have been complimented on my ability to summarise views, draw threads of argument together, and maintain a warm and collegiate atmosphere.
In May 2019, I chaired a panel at the Asian Voice Charity Awards at the Park Lane Hilton (see below). At the National Liberal Club, I introduced an annual quiz and an Autumn Debate, which featured MPs and other prominent public figures. In July 2017, I was proud to chair an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act, featuring a number of prominent campaigners for gay rights. Since then, we have launched an LGBT+ circle as we strive to prove that ours is indeed “the most inclusive club in London”, with a thriving and rapidly growing membership. I organised the Club’s first Diwali dinner, which has now become an annual event. I also launched a Diversity Working Group and a Catering Liaison Group, both of which continue to play an important part in the life of the Club.
Rupert chairing a panel at the Asian Voice Charity Awards 2019 at the Park Lane Hilton with (L to R) Carrie Grant, Andy Cook and Caroline Diehl.
Rupert chairing a meeting with Vince Cable and Martin Jacques
It may help that I qualified as a mediator in 2009, accredited by the Civil Mediation Council. A mediator must be a good listener, skilled at drawing people out, sensitively testing their limits while always seeking common ground.
As part of my MA course in Pastoral Care, I studied philosophy and practised coaching techniques. In 2019-20, my work with prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs included moderating discussion groups and leading a six-week introduction to humanism.