PAUL CHICK MBE
Paul Chick MBE lives in the beautiful county of Dorset with his wife. A proud family man, he is the father of three amazing daughters and the proud grandfather of three awesome grandchildren, who continue to inspire his commitment to creating a better future for the next generation. Away from his professional and charitable responsibilities, Paul values family life and remains passionate about building stronger communities, believing that lasting social change begins with people working together to make a positive difference. Paul juggles his life between enthusiastically running DATIO and being a carer for his wife who has Metastatic Breast Cancer and his youngest daughter who has Angelman syndrome.
Paul is a nationally recognised leader in social innovation, strategic partnership development and community transformation. As Chairman of the charity DATIO, he is driving a new approach to supporting the voluntary sector by connecting businesses, public bodies and charities to unlock resources that would otherwise go to waste, creating sustainable social value and strengthening communities throughout the United Kingdom.
Following a distinguished varied 33-year career with the police service, culminating in his role as Head of Transport, Paul built an exceptional reputation for leadership, innovation and delivering practical solutions to complex operational challenges. During his policing career, he developed expertise in, counterfeit goods, illicit trading and consumer fraud. For more than 20 years, he worked in close partnership with Trading Standards, building trusted relationships that delivered successful enforcement operations and protected consumers from criminal activity.
For more than 30 years, Paul has held leadership roles across a range of charitable organisations, providing strategic direction, governance and support to initiatives that improve lives and strengthen communities. His extensive experience in the voluntary sector, combined with his background in public service and business, has enabled him to build strong partnerships, lead organisational growth and champion innovative projects that deliver meaningful and lasting social impact.
In recognition of his outstanding commitment to public service, Paul was awarded an MBE for services to the community and Young Carers. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated that meaningful change is achieved not through words alone, but through decisive action, innovative thinking and the ability to bring organisations together behind a common purpose.
Under Paul’s leadership, DATIO has become recognised for developing innovative and practical solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. These include transforming vacant commercial properties into valuable community assets, pioneering the ethical management and repurposing of counterfeit goods in partnership with Trading Standards, and working with prisons to create rehabilitation opportunities that deliver genuine social, environmental and economic value. His vision has positioned DATIO as a charity that not only solves problems but creates opportunities through collaboration.
As Chairman, Paul leads DATIO with a clear purpose: to demonstrate that innovation, collaboration and compassionate leadership can transform underused resources into lasting opportunities for charities, communities and the people they serve. With decades of operational experience and an enduring belief that collaboration is the key to lasting change, continues to shape DATIO’s mission and positions the organisation at the forefront of social innovation in the United Kingdom.
MARK OWENS
Mark Owens is a dedicated Co-Founder and Trustee of DATIO whose life reflects resilience, determination, and the belief that a positive mindset can overcome even the greatest challenges. Following a long and successful career in the engineering industry, he brings to the charity a wealth of practical experience, technical expertise, and a lifelong commitment to problem-solving and supporting others.
A passionate enthusiast of high-performance cars and motorcycles, Mark’s life changed dramatically following a serious motorcycle accident that left him paraplegic. Rather than allowing his disability to define him, he chose to face every challenge with courage, determination, and optimism. His personal journey has inspired many and given him a deep understanding of the barriers that disabled people can face in everyday life.
Mark is married to Shirley, and together they own and operate Solitaire Gold Ltd, a well-established jewellery shop in the historic market town of Dorchester. They also live in the picturesque village of Osmington, near Weymouth. Mark is a proud grandfather to four wonderful grandchildren, who continue to be a constant source of pride, motivation, and inspiration.
For many years, Mark has dedicated his time to volunteering on projects that provide practical support, encouragement, and opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged members of the community. Drawing on his own lived experience, he has helped others rebuild confidence, develop greater independence, and realise that disability should never be a barrier to leading a fulfilling and rewarding life.
As Co-Founder and Trustee of DATIO, Mark plays a key role in shaping the charity’s vision and direction. He offers invaluable insight into disability awareness, accessibility, and inclusive community development. His empathy, practical approach, and unwavering belief in the potential of every individual help ensure the charity remains focused on creating opportunities, removing barriers, and improving lives. His dedication, lived experience, and genuine compassion make him an invaluable member of the Board of Trustees and a passionate advocate for positive change.
adam watson
Adam Watson is a highly experienced financial professional and company director with a broad background in accountancy, banking, wealth management, and financial consultancy.
He brings extensive expertise in financial reporting, management information, compliance and technology-led business support for a wide range of business sizes.
Adam is recognised for his practical, commercially-focused approach and his ability to provide clear, strategic financial oversight that supports sound decision-making and sustainable business growth.