Chair’s update

Chair’s report

The last year has been memorable; shaped primarily by two external factors outside our control which will continue to influence the Trust and indeed the broader sector as we re-emerge into a new normal and for the Trust; one internal factor - the retirement of our Chief Executive, Huw John, after 10 strong years at our helm.

The Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union were, and continue to be, major challenges as we look to the future as a Trust specialising in a unique model of support for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. We rely on a workforce that is both diverse, caring and qualified to provide the best life of opportunity to those that we support. We know that the broader sector needs to come together to navigate the storms ahead but our experiences over the year give us hope and much pride from which to build on.

In my final year as Chair of the Trust I look back and reflect that despite the extraordinary year, it has also been a time of great resilience and coming together across the Trust. Through strong relationships, committed support and good fortune, everyone has, to date, come through Covid, but we are acutely aware that our primary task is now to support everyone to regain lost confidence, re-establish important relationships and empower people to once again work towards a life of opportunity. I want to give my personal thanks to our people on the frontlines who have tirelessly provided care and support in the most trying of circumstances. Without them those we support may not have coped as well as they would have wanted to.

I want to reflect on the real innovation in responding and adapting to the way people were supported, developing a vibrant virtual programme of educational, therapeutic and entertaining activities via our Opportunity TV channel, and strengthening our comprehensive resources around shared health and wellbeing initiatives for all, community members and colleagues alike. I know that the skills and knowledge we have acquired during this time will provide long term organisational benefit and help shape our future care, support and Trust culture.

And finally, on behalf of the Trust as a whole I want to acknowledge the leadership and commitment of Huw, our first Chief Executive of the charity, and to recognise the legacy he leaves behind. I know that our new Chief Executive will rise to the challenge in building on a rich and meaningful history to take this Trust forward into an exciting and ambitious future.

Brian M Walsh OBE

Chair of the Board of Trustees