Board of Trustees Election: nominee profiles

Transcription

1 Annual General Meeting 2014 Board of Trustees Election: nominee profiles There are nine candidates for three places in this year s Board of Trustees Election. They are listed alphabetically following a randomly chosen name. Nominees were asked to give a brief description of their caring experience, and tell us why they would like to be a Trustee and what skills they would bring to the Board.

2 Brenda Murray From: Lewisham, London Proposer: Vita Snowden Seconder: Kevin Daly Yes, I currently care for my mother who is recovering from a stroke which still affects her mobility and right arm. I was a Carer Ambassador for two and a half years. During my role I liaised mostly with GP surgeries. I also worked alongside Carers Lewisham and got involved with various activities. In addition I was also a Carer Representative for both the local Carers Partnership Board and The Royal College of General Practitioners. I was also able to participate in both local and national agendas to bring about positive change for carers. This included meeting with my local MP Heidi Alexandra at the Houses of Parliament and being part of a panel that put questions to Rt Hon Norman Lamb MP. I also represented Carers UK at a roundtable discussion on malnutrition hosted and reported by the Guardian newspaper. In addition, I completed a National Voice Patient Leadership Programme that improved my communication skills when meeting with health professionals. I also delivered a presentation to CCG lay members and other health professionals at the Kings Fund. I found the role very rewarding and informative which not only helped me as an Ambassador but it also improved my confidence as a carer. Carers Lewisham Within my role of Carer Ambassador I learnt a lot about the main principles of Carers UK which I also share so my commitment to my role was a priority that was manageable. I would approach Board meetings with objectivity and integrity. Keeping in mind Carers UK s vision statement and what is set in the constitution would help keep my ideas and contributions in line with the organisations goals or long term strategy and ensure this is done with accountability. Keeping up to date with legislation and policy is important as this helps when making independent judgments about sustaining projects, positioning and marketing the organisation. During my role as Ambassador I was able to shape the role in a way that I think helped me to bring about change. This also improved my creative ability, this enabled me to be efficient and effective. I would bring this level of creativity if chosen to be a Trustee. I have a good understanding regarding the legal duties of a Trustee with Carers UK. In addition, I also understand the roles liabilities and responsibilities which are directed by the constitution of an incorporated charity. In relation to being a team player, I always enjoy working with others, I make efforts to communicate constructively and listen actively. Through being an Ambassador for Carers UK I have found great passion and a commitment to improve the life of carers. Due to financial challenges I intend to return to work and would like to be able to continue to build on the passion I have through a Trustee role. In addition to the skills I believe I can bring to the Trustee role, I also feel I can build on those skills and hopefully develop new skills by learning from other Trustees.

3 Sarifa Patel From: Manor Park, London Proposer: Prabudhas Tanna Seconder: Tara Flood Son and Husband I attended a meeting that Carers UK had for Black and Ethnic Minority carers and group representatives and I delivered the training there for the social and medical model of disability. I also delivered training on being an ally. I have also been involved with Carers week through my local authority. I also joined Carers UK when they handed in a petition at 10 Downing St. Alliance of Inclusive Education and Cancer you are not alone. I am a disabled activist. I am multi lingual so have a deep understanding of migrant communities who struggle with language barriers. I am a co-chair for the Disability Forum where we work with carers and disabled people become allies and bring about change at local level. I run parents for inclusion group in Newham. We support parents of disabled children to have inclusive life in their local area. I am a trained facilitator for inclusion groups. I work well as a team. I am flexible in the way I work with people. I have been a young carer from the age of 7 looking after my siblings as my Mum was ill in hospital and my Dad needed to work. James Robert From: Fareham, Hampshire Proposer: Alex Robinson Seconder: Kevin Daly Yes, Father I have not previously undertaken any role with the charity, but am keen to do so now I am getting more help and support for my father Have you been a trustee or director of any other charities or similar organisation? Yes, I was a trustee of Portsmouth YMCA I have previously been a school governor for ten years at different schools. This has taught me the importance of being a critical friend to professional management, and also holding the

4 executive to account against agreed standards. My experience of committee work enables me to absorb a lot of complex data such as reports and presentations quickly, and also deal in a diplomatic way with a wide range of stakeholders. Above all, I believe that Carers UK is a vital organisation, which has a profound impact on many, and which I would aim to help grow and meet the needs of people like myself, if duly elected. I hold several management qualifications and am currently training as an accountant Carol Vincent From: Southwark, London Proposer: Kate Griffiths Seconder: Alex Robinson Not currently but I spent 14 years as a carer. Southwark Carers, on Trustee Board for 14 years. Joined Made their Ambassador two years. Southwark Carers (Participation Board); SLBC (Citizen Board); LINKS (now Healthwatch); Southwark & Lambeth Integrating Care Working with the community, helping the elderly making sure that they are cared for, if not happy complain and get it sorted. I would like to be a Trustee of Carers UK as I want to help people sort out issues that they raise, look after them, make sure they get good care for their later lives. I am very strong on social care. These people need a good life and need to live independently in their homes. I am the Voice for the people. Geoff Almond From: St Helens Proposer: Jane Dearden MBE Seconder: Catherine Bingham Yes, I care for my wife, Jean, who is severely disabled by MS. I am currently a Vice-Chair of Carers UK and have been a Trustee for four years. I am a member of the Finance and Resources Committee. My involvement with Carers UK activities has been various including newspaper and magazine articles and radio and the internet.

5 Currently treasurer of the St.Helens branch of Carers UK and treasurer of the St.Helens Carers Centre. A former chair of the St.Helens MS Society. My experience of being a trustee spans over many years for a number of organisations. I bring skills of being a heavy end carer for my wife and over 18 years as a primary school headteacher. I am passionate about carers issues. Having been a trustee of Carers UK for 4 years I would love to carry on. I have really enjoyed being a part of this wonderful carers organisation. William Beaugie MBE From: Dumfries Proposer: Catherine Bingham Seconder: Peter Davis I am carer for my wife who has had Multiple Sclerosis for 35 years. The last 20 requiring hardcore caring In 2003, at a very difficult time for Carers UK, I was elected a Trustee and served for 4 years until I was elected a Member for the Carers Scotland Committee from In 2013 I attended The Scottish Carer s Parliament In 1990 I was a founder chair of Border Multiple Sclerosis Action until For this I was appointed a MBE in In 1996 I was founder chair of Dumfries and Galloway Princess Royal Trust, now Carers Trust until I stood down in As a Partner Carer for 35 years I am very concerned that the unique problems of the Partner Carer are appreciated. The dramatic change in the relationship, both physical and emotional, when the realities of In sickness and health become more than words. An equal partnership becomes one of dependency. I have a keen interest in the situation of Young Carers. Having 2 sons, now in the their thirties, I have seen the effect, both positive and negative, on their childhood of caring. My other experiences have given me an intimate access to the lives and needs of all Carers. I worked in insurance at Lloyd s. The textile industry. Bagpuss is the colour his is as I dyed the fabric for the orginal. Not quite what Peter Firman had in mind! 20 years in the Careers Service followed by early retirement. From I worked, a day a week, at an Alzheimer Day Centre. My experience and empathy of all caring situations is deep and wide.

6 Diane Cuff From: Wellington, Telford Proposer: Kate Griffith Seconder: Vita Snowden Not currently but I am a former carer having cared for my elderly mother up until last October. I manage a local Carers Support Service and so I have been involved in Carers Week activities. I was a trustee for a community transport scheme and also a community festival. I am also director of a small Community Interest Company I have over 15 years experience of working in the voluntary and community sector some of which has been involving supporting carers. This in a large rural county so have experience of working with the impact of rurality on carers. I have over 5 years experience of working with diverse communities and establishing equality support services. I have extensive experience of partnership working with both voluntary sector and statutory sector and am passionate about carer involvement. I provide administrative support to a local carers forum bringing together carers and carer support organisations. I have approx. 8 years experience in the past of being a trustee and this has given me an understanding of the responsibilities of this role and I have always taken these seriously. I feel I would bring to this role all my varied experience within the voluntary and community sector, my specific knowledge of carers issues in rural areas, as well as my own personal experience of being a carer. I am passionate about making a difference for carers and feel that this can be used in supporting Carers UK as a trustee. I want to ensure the organisation is able to continue playing its so vital role to influencing national policy to improve the lives of carers. Joyce Jukes From: Frosterley, County Durham Proposer: Kevin Daly Seconder: Kate Griffiths Yes Carers week organising various events to promote carers. Sunderland MIND I was employed by Northumberland Tyne & Wear NHS Mental Health Services as Carer Development Worker, a job I did for 10 years retiring February I run various events to

7 bring more awareness to Carers, including speaking at various events also carrying training out to various bodies including police, journalists, Northumbria University, Student Nurses and Social Workers, also running carer support groups across the path ways which my job dictated. Before I started the above job I linked in to Sunderland Carers Centre as a carer for support. I then went on to volunteer for them speaking at various events to promote carers and attending various meeting to have a voice for carers. Run various workshops, speaking at groups, conferences and seminars, including the royal college of Psychiatrists. Delivering training of carer issues to many different organisations I was nominated to be presented to HRH Princess Ann for my contribution of voluntary work for carers. I am passionate about carers and the many challenges they face, there has been many changes over the years to help/support carers but there is still much to do. # Freda McEwen From: Thamesmead, London Proposer: Alex Robinson Seconder: Kevin Daly Yes, I care for my son who is 18 years old and diagnosed with Autism. I joined as Local Ambassador since late last year. I have been involved in Marketing strategies to promote Carers UK and visited the House of Commons during Carers Week. Yes, I have been involved in making strategic decisions as a Trustee for several churches, Board member for Gallions housing Association, Lay member Safe Guarding Children Board, Citizen Council, National institute for Clinical expertise and as a school governor in various schools within the borough. I am from a legal background. I have an LLB and LLM in law and can assist to ensure Carers UK complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. I have been a performance officer for London Criminal Justice board and will ensure Carers UK complies with and pursues its objects as defined it its governing document, the Memorandum and Articles of Association I will ensure Carers UK applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. Due to my previous role in various Boards I have an extensive experience to seat on any Board and contribute actively to the Board s role I giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. I have been on Safeguarding Children Board and understand what Safeguarding at any level entails and will safeguarding the good name and values of Carers UK. As I am very passionate about the work they do

8 Ensuring the organisations are not running at a loss but looking at avenues to boost the finances and closes areas that impact negatively and will ensure financial stability of the organisation. My experiences from various establishment is to protect and manage the property of the company and I will ensure if nominated that I will take proper care of investment of the charity s funds. In my previous capacity on board level with Housing Association and Safe Guarding children Board I have been opportune to interview new chair and board members so would be able to appoint a Chief Executive if necessary. I am a carer and very passionate about any organisation that will enable and support me in having adequate information to care for my child. As Carers UK fits the criteria I will do all I can to ensure the efficient and effective running of the organisation with all my available skills and experiences.