+ Message from AD Joint Chairs

Transcription

1 + IMPACT REPORT 2014 A society where we have shared understanding between Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing, deafblind and hearing people and where communication is seamless

2 + Message from AD Joint Chairs This Impact Report is our evaluation of the positive effect our service provision has provided for the past year. This Impact Report demonstrates how Action Deafness continues to succeed in its mission to fulfill the potential, provide equality of opportunity and improve the quality of life for our customers who are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafened or deafblind people throughout the UK. We are especially pleased with some of the new developments this Impact report highlights, such as the continued successful development of our Communications and Community Departments. Their work is creating a lasting effect on qualities such as perseverance, accessibility, values and aspirations. Our Cultural, Knowledge, Employment and Tech Departments also show significant returns for our corporate stakeholders. This report demonstrates to all our varied stakeholders, Local Authorities, Health Authorities, Contractors, Customers, Consumers, Funders and employees that Action Deafness continually delivers a quality service, consistently evaluates delivery outcomes and constantly enhances a positive impact on those that we serve. We are delighted and honoured to highlight the successes of Action Deafness during our most difficult austerity measures to date but that we continue to work hard to deliver the best for our customers and funders. Karen Read Peter Kendall 2

3 + Message from AD Patron, Andrew Bridgen MP I am delighted to champion the excellent work of Action Deafness. I cannot stress how important the support of personal assistants and language service professionals are. Action Deafness has been making a huge difference to deaf people by helping them to really live the life they want and receive the best possible communication, interpreting and support. It is fantastic to see so many deaf and hard of hearing people becoming equal. Andrew Bridgen MP 1.3m turnover compared to 750,000 in 2009 real progressive achievement In 2014, AD reduced its historical deficit and is now on course to becoming a profitable business solutions service provider 3

4 + About Us Action Deafness has been established since % of Governing Board members are Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing AD s mission is to improve quality of life by providing independence and equality of opportunity for Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing and deafblind people Supported over 3,000 service users / clients across the UK Action Deafness is truly a deaf-led organisation Action Deafness has successfully acquired ISO 9001 and Quality Standards which foster a culture of organisational progression 4

5 + Communications Inherited a deficit budget in 2005 Became profitable since 2010 Now reaching a six-figure sum contribution to overheads annually I am particularly impressed with their effective response times regarding the provision of language service professionals on an emergency basis, especially for our medium-secure unit. - Contract Manager from Healthcare Trust Access to over 300 language service professionals on a contractual and ad-hoc basis Specialist provider of registered qualified BSL/English Interpreters in mental health settings Acquired numerous service delivery and framework contracts across England 70% growth since 2010 Developed video online interpreting via Red Dot Connect in 2012 Online interpreting ready for business with notable clients in 2014 State-of-the art database system to speed up booking process in record time AD Communications personnel effectively answer our calls and provide the communication support we require and is of the highest standard and quality. They are cost-effective and ethical too - Contract Manager 5

6 + Community Established in % growth from 2013 to hours of support per month, compared to 20 hours per month in 2011 Over 8,000 hours per year, compared to 500 in 2012 Our aim was to look for a bespoke and competent Personal Assistant service. We tried and tested a few others. When we took on AD Community for my son, I knew he made the right choice. I feel that Action Deafness is fulfilling our aim Jackie, William s mum One to two service users join AD Community on a monthly basis Accelerated growth by 50% every year Staff of 30, with 90% Deaf 100% of staff proficient in diverse communication skills High take-up of drop-in provision from service users I wanted to check if AD Community could cater for my multiple disability needs other than my deafness. I am delighted with their first-hand and thoroughly professional service. They help me to be in control of my life and be independent a deafblind service user 6

7 + Cultural (Hear Now Forward Project) Successful spin-off from original Lottery Hear Now project 75 hearing checks done in one day at Highcross, Leicester! Amazing! We only did 75 in the whole year! This project of yours rocks!! David Hollis from Square Mile Project Carried out 632 hearing screenings around Leicester Partnered with DeMontfort University to carry out 135 full hearing test Registered 435 people from BME communities with the project I had the opportunity to volunteer in various departments within Action Deafness which developed my skills and gave me the confidence to secure a permanent position with the health profession. Farhnaz Abubakar, Volunteer & BSL Level 2 learner 65 volunteers recruited and deployed in numerous projects and activities at a local level Facilitate Hearing Aid Repair Clinics in Leicester. Excellent relations with NHS Audiology Departments across Leicester, Derby & Nottingham First year report commended by The Big Lottery 7

8 + Books, Tech And Knowledge (Learning) Successfully assessed and provided equipment to over 300 Deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind people living in Leicester in 2014 The service was excellent and the ladies who came were wonderful. They were very professional in both knowledge and understanding. Thank you! A credit to Action Deafness Tech! Servicer User Successfully published and distributed - two books written by Deaf authors: Same Spirit - Different Team: the Politicisation of the Deaflympics by Stuart Harrison Unravelling the Signs: Living with a Deaf Schizophrenic Brother - a memoir by Sylvia Kenneth 100% pass rate in Signature accredited British Sign Language Level One Sign Language was like a hobby to me, but now I have a long term goal to become an interpreter! A fantastic experience! Level 2 student 8

9 + Books, Tech And Knowledge (Learning) AD Learner nominated as Signature Regional Learner of the Year award 2013 Supplied BSL Tutor for accredited BSL Level Two for Leicestershire Police Constabulary. This BSL tutor went on to win the Signature Regional Tutor of the Year 2014 I ve had a fantastic learning experience with Action Deafness, who all go that extra mile. I can t wait to start my Level 3! - Current Level 2 student Successfully delivered 13 x Introduction to BSL taster courses Successfully delivered 16 x Deaf Awareness training sessions in the Midlands Everything was enjoyable and I am walking away much more confident in approaching a person with a hearing loss, I feel I have gained a lot of knowledge! - PepsiCo Staff, Beaumont Park, Leicester Thank you for making the sessions informative and so much fun, a valuable life lesson has been learnt! PS Can you come to our Christmas Party??? - Staff, Supersavers SPEAK ONE SPEAK AT SPEAK ONE A ONE TIME AT AT A TIME A TIME FACE ME. IF YOU DON T... I CAN T HEAR YOU 9

10 + Work-Based Assessment (Access To Work) RBLI sub-contracts out delivery of assessments through DWP s Access to Work programme. Action Deafness is one of our best performing sub-contractors for whom we receive excellent feedback from customers regarding responsiveness and overall level of service - Edward Tidbury, RBLI Programme Manager Carried out over 300 assessments in the last two years in London, Home Counties and the South Maintained 100% success rate on carrying out the assessments and submitting reports within the allocated timescale. Contract has been extended for a further two years The assessor was really helpful, thoroughly knowledgeable, professional and extremely kind, and I feel a lot more positive now. Her recommendations have helped and made a big difference for me in my work - Nicky, NHS Blood and Transplant 10

11 + Charitable Obligations As part of its charitable obligations, AD continue to financially support meeting places for Deaf and Hard of Hearing users in Leicester and Loughborough. Beneficiaries include: Leicester Over 50 s; Leicester Deaf, Sports & Social Club; Special Needs Club: Loughborough Hard of Hearing Group 11

12 + Last Word from AD Chief Executive Our services make a vital difference to the lives of the people we support. Due to the continued severe austerity measures for the past several years, we can only reach a modest percentage of the 9 million people who are deaf or who have hearing loss in the UK today. Our unique difference is that we have what Deaf and hard of hearing people want, an organisation that understands their needs, that are willing to work hard on their behalf, to act as a broker between them and local service providers as well as having access to communication of their choice and high-quality support to lead equal and independent lives. Over the years, AD has been developing a unique platform that allows for new ways of thinking, creating and influencing. To make this happen involves clear thinking, ambition and hard choices. Trustees, Management and staff have unprecedented strength and will be putting their energies into charting the next stage of the organisation s development. Action Deafness staff and management are hard-working and dedicated. It is a privilege and honour to lead them. The organisation also appreciates and values those who give of their time and skills voluntarily. Sincere thanks to my team and volunteers for their resilience. I end with sincere thanks to our Board of Trustees for their confidence and steely determination. They have also worked hard to see Action Deafness slowly become a powerful force for equality, accessibility, opportunity and independence. Craig Crowley MBE 12

13 + Income and Resources expended Income Employment & Grants Other Fundraising/Legacies Books/Tech/ Knowledge AD Community AD Communications Resources expended Employment Other Books/Tech/ Knowledge AD Communications AD Community Overheads/Projects /Charitable activities 13

14 + Contact Information CRAIG CROWLEY CHIEF EXECUTIVE & COMPANY SECRETARY MHAIRI SIMPSON AD COMMUNITY & CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES JAZ MANN AD CULTURAL, BOOKS, TECH, KNOWLEDGE & WORK-BASED ASSESSMENT NIGEL CLEAVER AD COMMUNICATIONS & RED DOT CONNECT EMMA PHILLIPS AD COMMUNICATIONS & RED DOT CONNECT JIM ROBERTSON FINANCE & FUNDRAISING Tel: (Enquiries) Web: 14 A registered company limited by guarantee - Company No: Action Deafness is also the working title of Leicester Charity No: and Loughborough Charity No:

15 Independence, equality & opportunity

16 Main contact details: Action Deafness The Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester LE4 6DP Telephone: Fax: Minicom: SMS: Web: Action Deafness Books: Web: Action Deafness Communications & Red Dot Connect: Telephone: Minicom: SMS/Emergency: Web: