Message from the the chief executive

£2.11M

RAISED IN THE COVID-19 CAMPAIGN

Message from the CEO

We have had another successful year supporting the work of the RFL. This year we entered the final phase of our five-year strategy, which centres on adding value to our patient and staff experience and investing in the physical and technical environment, as well as in medical research and facilities. We have made good progress across all our activities and have also been working to ensure we are fully equipped for the next stage of our journey by consolidating our approach and reviewing our internal operations and systems.

There have been a number of highlights. The development of the Pears Building, our most ambitious project to date, has continued apace, despite the challenges of Covid-19. It will open in 2021 and will re-house the relocated UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, helping in its aim to become the European leader in its field. Our support hub and its welfare benefit advice service have grown enormously, providing advice and practical support for more than 1,000 visitors. Our volunteer network has continued to inspire, working across the RFL to lighten the load for staff and patients with 65,000 hours of voluntary time.

We were also humbled by the overwhelming public response to our Covid-19 emergency appeal which enabled us to make life a bit more bearable for our hospital staff. The unprecedented challenge of Covid-19 and the resulting recovery and reset of the NHS has underlined the importance of the charity working handin-hand with the RFL to help it achieve its strategic goals. We look forward to a successful next chapter in the history of the Royal Free Charity, made possible by our incredible supporters, volunteers, staff, partners and trustees.

Richard Scarth

Interim chief executive