Last week we were told the very sad news that, our trustee and friend, Dave Goss, had died.

When we formed DCAS and were looking for trustees, Dave was one of the first people to be approached and he had been a trustee with DCAS from the day we started in 2002. He embodied the classical role of trustee, the “critical friend.” We are indebted to Dave for asking those awkward questions which needed to be asked, as the moment that a charity starts thinking it knows what it’s doing, is the very moment it no longer does.

As well as a trustee for our Board, Dave was also Chief Officer at Derbyshire Advocacy Service. In an era of outstanding chief officers in the Derbyshire voluntary sector, we think that Dave was the best as he not only combined superb management skills but he also never lost sight of what really mattered, namely the people with learning difficulties who Dave supported.

Dave made a massive contribution to the voluntary sector throughout his life.

We send our condolences to his wife, family and friends.

Thanks Dave. We miss you!