Douglas Lewis (philanthropist)

Douglas 'Doug' Lewis CBE (born October 8, 1940) is a British philanthropist and former Naval officer. He is currently the International President of the International Social Service (ISS).^[1] Between 2004 and 2014 he was the Chair of Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB).^[2]

Royal Naval career

Lewis joined the Royal Navy in 1958 as a Junior Assistant Writer 2nd Class. He became a Petty Officer in 1965 and was promoted to Commissioned rank in 1969 as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Supply & Secretariat specialisation.^[3] After service at sea and onshore with progressive advancement he was promoted to Commander in 1980,^[4] to Captain in 1989^[5] and to Commodore in 1992.^[6]

During a varied career he was the Supply Officer of HMS Jupiter in 1974-75 alongside shipmate Lieutenant HRH The Prince of Wales.^[7] Lewis was also the first Supply Officer of the 5th HMS Ark Royal in 1985-86^[8] and Commander of the Royal Naval College Greenwich in 1988-90.^[9]

He also served five appointments in the Ministry of Defence, including time as Director of Personnel for the Royal Navy^[10] as well as his final post as Director Personnel Policy for the UK Armed Forces^[11] between 1995 and 1998. He was awarded the CBE in the New Year’s Honours List 1993.^[12]

Charity work

In 2014 Lewis was elected International President of the International Social Service (ISS). This gave him responsibility over international child protection and associated humanitarian social welfare matters.^[13] He is the first UK citizen to hold this position since Sir Clive Bossom between 1984 and 1989.

He served as Chair of Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB) between 2004 and 2014.^[14] During this period he oversaw the charity increasing its income and casework activities to record levels and began a process of modernisation.^[15] From 2010 to 2014 he was also Chair of the Governing Board of the International Social Service (ISS).

He has been Chair of the Compass School Trust since 2011.^[16] Prior to that he was a Trustee for Seafarers UK.

Personal life

Lewis was born in Tenby. His father was a fisherman who had died four months prior to his birth at Dunkirk whilst on active service with the Royal Navy. He was educated at Tenby Grammar School and the Royal Hospital School.

A lifetime player and supporter of rugby union, he was President of the Royal Navy Rugby Union between 1996 and 1997.^[17]

Lewis is married and has three sons. He currently lives in London.

References

1. "Governance and Legal Framework". International Social Service.
2. "ISS Network Appoints CFAB Chairman as President". Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB).
3. "The Navy List 1970".
4. "The London Gazette 1980 Supplement" (No 48263, p10712).
5. "The London Gazette 1989 Supplement" (No 51805, p8084).
6. "The Navy List 1993".
7. "The Navy List 1975".
8. "The Navy List 1986".
9. "The Navy List 1989".
10. "The Navy List 1993".
11. "The Navy List 1996".
12. "14. The London Gazette 1993 Supplement" (No 53153 p5). horizontal tab character in |title= at position 4 (help)
13. "Governance and Legal Framework". International Social Service (ISS).
14. "ISS Network Appoints CFAB Chairman as President". Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB).
15. Bryer, Margaret (2015). An Imaginative Co-operation: The History of the International Social Service of the United Kingdom 1955-2009. Etica. p. 181. ISBN 978 1 905633 22 7.
16. "Our Governors". Compass Trust School.
17. "Presidents of the Royal Navy Rugby Union". Navy Rugby.