Barrie's Blog

3 September 2010

Barrie Oldham, Chief Executive of The Disabilities Trust, writes a weekly blog giving you the opportunity to hear about the wide range of issues affecting the Trust which he deals with on a daily basis. Visit this page each Friday to read the latest update.

Hi Everyone

Firstly I would like to apologise to our Scottish colleagues; I wished everyone a nice bank holiday last week but of course it wasn’t a bank holiday in Scotland.

On the football front, it was a sad affair this weekend when Burnley lost for the first time this season at Swansea, 1- nil. Speaking to people who attended the game we were lucky to get nil! No game this weekend, I wonder if the home nations will do any better.

On Tuesday I travelled to Burgess Hill and met with a number of people including Iain Mackrory-Jamieson for an update on the CQC registration process and the company restructure. In addition Iain and I discussed a number of other relevant issues relating to the wellbeing of the Trust. I also met with Rashmi Sharma to look at some feasibility plans for a development opportunity.

Wednesday was the SMT Meeting which was very interesting. The number of issues and challenges that we face going forward particularly around the economic climate and new legislation are numerous. It is therefore important for the SMT to have the opportunity to discuss issues in detail and develop strategies to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

Following the SMT meeting, I met with Terry Maguire, who as you will know, is undertaking a piece of work for the Trust in relation to PD Lifestyles.

On Thursday I travelled to Hamilton Lodge to take a look at the developments that are taking place on the site. The development consists of four bungalows that will offer high quality accommodation to young men and women with autism who may challenge the service because of the complexity of their individual needs. It was very pleasing to witness the progress that is being made towards this groundbreaking service.

Following my visit to Hamilton Lodge I went to Fen House in Ely and met with Denise O’Brien, Service Manager and Lynn Turley to undertake an informal review of the service. It was very pleasing to recognise the outcomes that are being achieved and the excellent services provided by Denise and her team. It also gives me an opportunity to catch up with people who I have not seen for some time.

Today, Friday, I have travelled to Milenium Court. I am taking the opportunity to catch up on a number of administrative tasks and also to start putting together the presentation for the forthcoming road shows that myself and Peter Woodruff are undertaking over the next few months.

On another note Sue Thompson, who has been with the Trust for a number of years, has retired this week. Sue has worked within the Brain Injury and Autism divisions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sue for all her undertakings over the years and wish her well in her retirement.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Barrie

Don't forget! I would like your feedback. Just email Helen at helen.tridgell@thedtgroup.org and she’ll pass it on.

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