We have an incredible FOUR candidates in the running to be your next National Vice President. And they’re eager to share their vision for the role and our association.
As part of the application process, each candidate submitted a statement explaining why they’re applying and, most importantly, why they believe they’re the best man for the Top Job. Along with a list of their 5 top achievements in Round Table.
You can read their statements and Top 5 lists below.
Shortly we will be releasing their pre-recorded campaign videos, which you can watch on the @RTGBI YouTube channel subscribe now for updates.
In Alphabetical order, your candidates are:
Dan Barton - Elgin RT 454
Pete Biggins - Newport RT 15
Karlos O’Neill - Wrexham RT
Raz Shahid - Lytham RT 130
And here are their Statements:
Dan Barton submitted this in his application: “Being a stay-at-home dad with a disability meant that, for a long time, my social life was nearly non-existent. It can be easy to feel isolated in that situation, but joining Round Table has had an incredibly positive impact on my life. It has given me the chance to connect with like-minded people, build lasting friendships, and contribute to something bigger than myself. Round Table has been more than just a social outlet for me—it has become a community that I care deeply about and am passionate about growing.
"As Vice President, I will continue to help drive our Table forward, ensuring that we remain an active, inclusive, and welcoming group. Raising my daughter means I have plenty of time to dedicate to Table, just as I did last year when I assisted James with the rechartering of Elgin. That process was a huge milestone for us, and it remains one of my proudest moments. Officially chartering was an incredible achievement for for us all, and I’m proud to have played a role in making it happen.
"Since then, we’ve accomplished so much together. One highlight was our outstanding
performance in the RTI Movember campaign, where we raised the most money for charity out of all Tables. The friendly rivalry with Maryport RT, driven by a competitive social media campaign, pushed us to the top. Another personal milestone was being nominated as Vice Chairman—an honour that has given me the opportunity to now run for Vice President and continue giving back to this incredible group.
"Beyond supporting the Table’s growth, I’ve taken an active role in organising events that bring people together. I’ve arranged bowls, poker, and tennis nights, giving members the chance to socialise in a fun and relaxed setting. I also led a museum tour focused on the history of Elgin Round Table, introduced the tradition of the Elgin Table bottle of whisky, and played a key role in organising our first charter night—a moment that truly solidified our Table’s future.
"Round Table has the power to change lives. It certainly changed mine, and I know there are many young men out there who could benefit from the same support, friendship, and opportunities that I have found here. If elected as Vice President, I will continue to push the positivity that Round Table provides and work to reach more people who, like me, might need that sense of community.
With your support, I’ll help make RTGBI an even greater success, ensuring that our Table remains strong, active, and a place where everyone feels valued.
Vote Dan for VP—because together, we can keep making a difference!”
Dan’s top 5 Achievements are:
Helped recharter Elgin 454
Largest Fundraising total for RTI Movember raised in RTGBI
Organised personalised Elgin Round Table whisky
Becoming Table Vice Chairman upon re-chartering
Supporting and becoming close friends with other table members
Pete Biggens statement: “Joining RTBI is one of the best decisions I ever made. I love what we do to support our communities, and the camaraderie at all levels of Table, including our RTBI family organisations.
"We all know young men’s mental health remains a huge issue, and we should have a huge role in offering support. Many find social situations difficult, yet could offer so much to Table. I feel we can do more to encourage neurodiverse men to feel welcomed and remove the stigma that often still remains. We must also continue to develop mental health initiatives for existing members.
"I would ensure RTBI is run for the benefit of ALL Tablers. Having attended two workshops, I have experienced what can happen when the strategies are implemented successfully, and this must continue as we aim to grow our organisation. I would build on the fantastic work done by the membership workshops, by setting up an inter-Table support network, where larger, established Tables can be paired with smaller ones in different areas, to offer personal support, advice and potentially inter-Table travel.
Having been a teacher for 20 years, I have worked with people from all backgrounds and economic situations. I strongly believe that someone’s income should not be a barrier to either becoming a Tabler, or to holding senior positions within RTBI. After all, I see RTBI as a ‘League of Ordinary Gentlemen’ who do extraordinary things.
Table has supported me through some incredibly tough times. It has provided numerous amazing opportunities and lifelong friendships, locally, nationally and internationally. I am hugely passionate about ensuring that those experiences and support are available to as many young men as possible. I put everything I can into Table and get the most out of it, and want to encourage others to do the same.”
Pete’s Top 5
Resurrecting and re-chartering City of Newport Round Table 15.
Chairman of City of Newport Round Table 15 2024-25.
Area 4 Chairman 2023-24.
Region 12 representative on the national council 2024-present.
Attended RT Netherlands AGM 2022, RTI World Meetings (Copenhagen & Maastricht).
Karlos O’Neill's statement is next: “I am a natural leader who believes in empowering those around me. My approach is about identifying people’s strengths, giving them the courage to step outside their comfort zones, and creating an environment where they can thrive. I challenge processes, question traditions, and encourage open conversations about change. More importantly, I ensure that Round Table remains a space where people feel safe to challenge, where fresh ideas are welcomed, and where change is celebrated. While I empower people to discuss and shape the future, I am also a strong advocate for democracy, respecting the outcomes of fair debate and decision-making.
"Since founding Wrexham Round Table on 28th March 2024, I have worked to build an active and engaged group. In just 9 months, we have grown to 19 paid members, proving that with the right leadership, encouragement, and vision, we can create a thriving Table that delivers real impact in the community. Initiatives like the Wrexham Santa Float have demonstrated my ability to bring together councils, businesses, and volunteers to make meaningful projects happen.
"Beyond my voluntary work, I run a regional mental health project that focuses on co-production strategies to improve systemic mental health support for young people. This experience has given me a deep understanding of partnership and stakeholder management, but more importantly, it has allowed me to work closely with 18 to 25-year-old men, co-producing a shared vision for improving outcomes. This work has strengthened my ability to listen, strategies, and lead effectively; Skills that translate directly into making Round Table a more dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking organisation.
"As National Vice President, I will continue to challenge the status quo, foster an environment where innovation thrives, and ensure that Round Table remains a movement where people feel empowered to make a difference. I would be honoured to serve and bring my experience, energy, and passion to the National Board.”
Karlos’s top 5 Achievements are:
Restarted Wrexham Round Table, gaining to 18 new members in 8 months
Gained over £4000 of sponsorship for our 2024 Santa float.
Attended South Africa Area AGM and helped market the “Don’t Camo Yourself” brand
I created a framework for restarting dormant tables.
I increased our social following by 600% in 9 months.
And lastly we hear from Raz Shahid: “My journey isn’t over! With five years of national council and board experience, I’ve been privileged to contribute to a strong, successful team that has steered Round Table through an incredible period of growth. However, there’s still more work to be done to ensure that our members are empowered, and our organisation remains relevant and vibrant for years to come.
"My Vision and Goals as Vice President: Empowering New Tablers: How do we make sure tablers get the most out of their tabling experience from day one? We've all heard multiple stories of guys who are members for years before they take on a chair\tres\sec role and even more years again before they step into the Area\National scene. Do we know what holds guys back from taking these leaps? Do we have any data\feedback that could help solve this? Is this even a problem? Or is it simply about making sure all tablers know about all the options available to them from the minute they sign up?
"Consistency and Adaptability: Keep our messaging aligned with the three pillars:
Programme: Offer meaningful activities.
Promotion: Elevate our brand and outreach.
Supporting Tables: Provide resources and guidance tailored to their needs.
"Future-Proofing Membership: Our time on board is short so its important that we plan for Succession for the next era of Round Table whilst working closely with Lee our membership officer and continuing the 3 year plan
"Diversity and Inclusion: Ensure Round Table remains appealing and welcoming to all, reflecting the vibrant communities we serve.
Growth is how we are appealing to a wider demographic and I hope my presence as figure head of round table will empower people to feel that Round Table is a place men can thrive and feel as welcome, as I have.
"Strategic Development: Collaborate with the incoming President to implement a solid plan that will adopt adapt and improve Round Table for years to come.”
Raz’s top 5 Achievements are:
NSW Chair
Region Rep
National Community Officer
Recruited 5 new Tablers in my year as Chair
Table Chair for 2 years
Now you've had a chance to review what all four candidates have to offer you will need to place your votes before the deadline, which is the 10th May 2025 at 12 pm (Midday). Because we have 4 candidates, Tables will be asked to vote in preferential order, who they would like to be the next Vice President. Voting for each candidate in order from top to bottom, 1-4. Table Chairman will be sent the log in details at the beginning of April by Jon Clark Current National Vice President. If you do not receive login information don't hesitate to get in touch with him via jon.clark@roundtable.org.uk
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