About Us Board Members LGBT HERO relies on volunteers to become board members. The role of board members is to oversee the running of LGBT HERO and to make sure we follow the aims and objectives of the charity. Currently there are eight board members. Meet the board Alan Palmer | Chair Alan is Chair of LGBT HERO and has volunteered for the charity since 2012, joining the Board in June 2015. He was Chair of Bristol LGBT Forum from 2009-2011, and volunteered extensively for a number of years on a range of advocacy projects, including for gay men's sexual health, relationships education for young people, and LGBT equalities. As a volunteer for LGBT HERO, he has worked on mass media campaigns, FS planning, RVT Sports Day, marched at Pride and spoken on behalf of the organisation at events. He has been a school governor since 2012, and is currently chair of an academy in south London. Professionally, Alan has worked in education policy for over 15 years, taking up various roles in government, research funders and representative organisations. His current role is as Head of Policy and Research with an organisation representing a number of universities to promote and advocate for higher education policies that aim to ensure university remains an option for all students, including those from diverse backgrounds. Tim O'Rahilly | Vice Chair Tim has been a board member since 2018 and is currently LGBT HERO's vice chair. Tim has been a long time supporter of LGBT HERO and the work we do through GMFA. Tim is very passionate about tackling mental illness and suicide within the LGBTQ+ community. Roland Brunner | Treasurer Roland has been involved with LGBT HERO on and off for several years and decided in 2018 that he should take things further and apply for a role on the board. In 2019 he became the treasurer of the organisation and officially oversees finances. Professionally, Roland is a management consultant specialising in process improvement, implementing efficient organisations, change & transformation and executive coaching. He has been doing this for more than two decades. In his spare time, he is involved in the Church of England and recently became a first aider in mental health. Shamal Waraich Shamal joined LGBT HERO's board in 2022. Michael Harvey Michael joined LGBT HERO's board in 2022. Ian Watters Ian joined LGBT HERO's Board in 2019. He is keen about furthering the health and rights of bisexual people. Dr Rory McGill Dr Rory joined LGBT HERO's board in 2022. Get involved / become a board member LGBT HERO is aware that our board is underrepresented from women, the trans community and people from minority backgrounds. If you represent any of these groups and would like to stand for the board contact LGBT HERO's Chief Executive, Ian Howley and he will be happy to provide more information. Email [email protected]