Tuesday 17 May 2011

Changing Landscapes


This evening the Board of Trustees of Parkhaven meets. It is one of 5 Board meetings a year. The Trust is very fortunate in the range of skills and experience that it has on the board. Trustees are volunteers, they do not get paid for their contribution and commitment. (The background of our Trustees can be found at www.parkhaven.org.uk.)

This particular meeting in the cycle of Trustee meetings has a similar feel each year. It is the time when the Trust reflects back on the achievements of the previous year and looks forward and agrees the objectives and priorities for the coming year. It is a time to take stock.

In reflecting on the previous 12 months, the Trust can be proud of what it has achieved. Plans that have been in the pipeline for sometime have come to fruition. There is now an extra care scheme on the site, developed in partnership with Arena housing. One of our small residential homes has become a tenancy arrangement in partnership with Adactus housing. Planning permission was obtained for the new dementia centre and funding is in place. The scheme will be operational in November, 2011; another exciting new development changing the landscape of the Trust.

Other important achievements included a reducing sickness absence rate amongst staff. This is important because it ensures continuity of care for people who use our services. We are also hopeful that the recent Investors in People assessment will consider that the Trust has obtained the very highest award. The Trust has also managed to balance income with expenditure which is an achievement given the stringent financial conditions that currently prevail. But in the end what is important is what people think about the services they have used, some of the feedback I have received is very humbling and a credit to the staff teams involved. Very high occupancy and waiting lists for our services reinforce these sentiments. In essence a very good year, but no room for complacency, There is still much more to do which will be agreed by Trustees tonight.

Hilary Rowland

Chief Executive
16.5.11








The Courtyard at Parkhaven Court