Thank you Rev. Thom Riddell

This week Rev Thom Riddell retires as Convener of CrossReach. We are thankful for his many years of dedicated service since he joined the Social Care Council in 2012.

He proved an invaluable member of the council, bringing with him experience of 19 years of ministry in Linlithgow (Livingston Old, then St Michael’s where he currently serves as an auxiliary minister) coupled with an expertise in risk management and health and safety following a career as an Occupational Safety Specialist for Ineos, formerly BP. 

Thom has been a member of the HR and Quality Group and the Executive Committee within CrossReach, assuming the role of Vice Convener in 2018. Following the sad and sudden death of the then Convener, Bill Steele, at the end of 2019, Thom then took on the role of Convener. In 2020 he helped steer CrossReach through the Covid-19 pandemic, which was a particularly challenging and distressing time for social care. By June 2020 Thom had introduced a new system of governance as the Council brought in a more appropriate Board type structure to oversee the organisation and which has helped speed up the reporting and decision-making processes. 

Thom has done all of that while serving as Presbytery Clerk for West Lothian, supporting the union of West Lothian and Edinburgh Presbyteries, and continuing to act as an auxiliary minister, with all that the role involves. That has been no mean feat and one which few would have the passion and energy for. Thom has been a good and trusted friend to CrossReach and is known for his pragmatism, warmth, humour and deep faith which have been such a blessing to all. 

We are indebted to Thom for his leadership and loyal service and to his wife Joyce for her patience and good grace while Thom has been out and about visiting CrossReach services across the country and attending to the many duties that come with this position. We wish Thom every blessing as he leaves CrossReach and hope there will now be more time for Scottish country dancing, golf, and even the occasional day of rest.

Hear from Thom as he reflects on his time with CrossReach: