Garry Elliott, head of governance and compliance
Garry oversees all activities related to Governance and Compliance and is responsible for the delivery of the Union's strategic plan and 2030 vision and includes direction on strategy and policy.
Garry is based in Nautilus head office and reports directly to the general secretary, being responsible for ensuring compliance with all UK statutory requirement; overseeing the governance of the Union including elections; member engagement such as arrangements for the Nautilus Council including its fora and committees, general meetings and branch conferences. He also oversees the delivery of the strategic objectives of the Union, supporting the implementation of the agreed policies, strategic plans and the 2030 Vision, and providing support across the Union.
Biography
Garry brings more than four decades of trade union experience from the trade union movement – having spent 20 years with the Communications Workers Union before switching to Nautilus in 1999 – then known as NUMAST, a predecessor union.
Moving to a specialist trade union and professional organisation dedicated to maritime professionals saw Garry returning to his roots. Born on a HM Naval base (Clyde), commonly known as Faslane, home to the core of submarine services where his father served in the Royal Navy. He also spent his childhood on Royal Navy bases in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Garry joined the Royal Navy briefly in 1979 as a weapons engineer.
During his time at Nautilus International, Garry has seen the maritime profession change with technological, economic and political developments. His previous roles included industrial organiser, national organiser and then senior national organiser (head of the organising department) from 2000 to 2023. During that time, he oversaw many industrial servicing, recruitment, membership and organising transitions. Garry has led on a number of recruitment initiatives during his time at the Union, including organising and expanding membership in the yacht sector and across the nautical college networks.
Garry's other roles
Garry's role head of governance and compliance ,which he commenced in January 2024, allows for him to utilise his experience and knowledge across other external and internal forums, representing Nautilus International as:
- member of the Senior leadership team (SLT) of Nautilus International
- executive member of the General Federation of trade unions (GFTU)
- pension trustee for the GFTU
- Unions 21 attendee
- member of the UK National Committee
- TUC attendee
- Council attendee
- Nautilus Pension Association (NPA) secretary