David Royce

David Royce has a background in engineering, the probation and prison services.

“I was raised and educated in West Bromwich, latterly at the local technical college where I benefited from the inspirational teaching that took me away from the factory and on to a degree course at Portsmouth Polytechnic: I was the first in my family to enjoy that privilege. During this time I became a volunteer, leading a play scheme in the dockyard area of Portsea. In 1976 I established an adventure playground as part of the scheme. The playground remains a valued resource for the city to this day and I count it as one of my finest achievements.

“The experience of volunteering changed my life, it inspired me to return to study for the Diploma in Social Work at the University of Cardiff and then to spend ten years as a practitioner, I enrolled for an MBA, having eventually moved into management in probation, and was later seconded to the prison service.

“In 1994, I was employed by trustees to establish an independent charity and limited company, SARO, so that colleagues could join from Stonham Housing Association. In 2000, SARO evolved into CRI though merger with three charities that had been saved from closure by coming under the management of CRI. The early experiences of TUPE and merger formed the management model upon which CRI was founded and remain its guiding principle today. Partnership continues to be a vital component of service delivery and ensures that the best people get to do the job.

"Today, as Chief Executive, I lead a team of dedicated and passionate colleagues who work hard to improve the lives of others. I continue to be driven by the spirit of volunteering and am still impressed by what people achieve when they work together for the benefit of others.”