Blind Veterans UK is delighted to announce the appointment of Giles Peel as its new Chair of Trustees.
Giles brings a wealth of leadership experience from the veterans’ support sector. He previously served as Chair of Combat Stress, Britain’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, from 2019 until last year. Before that he chaired RFEA Ltd, The Forces Employment Charity. In March 2026 he will become the 10th Chair of Trustees in the charity’s 111-year history.
As well as leading Combat Stress, Giles has built extensive governance expertise in all the major UK sectors. He manages his own company advising on risk, regulatory and strategic governance, and has held executive and non-executive roles across, financial services, legal, NHS and veterans’ organisations. He also currently chairs ABTA’s Appeals Board. In his first career, Giles served for 20 years in the Royal Navy.
Giles will begin his tenure following the decision of the current Chair, Barry Coupe, to step down. Barry, whose father was cared for by the charity after losing his sight in the Second World War, has served as a Trustee for 10 years and Chair for the last four.
Barry says:
“I have known my entire life the amazing difference this charity makes to those it supports. My father, and subsequently me, are living proof of that. It has been a privilege to serve Blind Veterans UK for the past 10 years. As I step down, I wish Giles and his fellow Trustees nothing but the best and have every confidence that they will continue to maintain the work in making the charity sustainable and delivering life-changing support to blind veterans across the UK”
Giles says:
“I’m deeply honoured to be appointed Chair of Blind Veterans UK. Supporting those who have given so much for our country is a privilege. I look forward to working with the Board, leadership team, staff, volunteers, and the veterans themselves, to support this charity to improve the lives of blind veterans.”
CEO of Blind Veterans UK, Adrian Bell says:
“On behalf of everyone at Blind Veterans UK I want to thank Barry for all he has done. To the role he has brought personal passion, professional acumen, and unwavering commitment to our mission. His influence on ensuring the success of our move to our new Rustington Centre will be particularly remembered. We thank him wholeheartedly and wish him all the best.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Giles Peel as our new Chair. His outstanding leadership of Combat Stress, coupled with his governance expertise and passion for veteran welfare, means he is exceptionally well-placed to guide our charity during this exciting next phase as we look to grow and transform how we work to best support our current and future veterans.”
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/gethelp
