So much went wrong leading to this terrible abuse scandal last year. Justly there has been endless dialogue in the sector regarding lessons learned, including the importance of excellent leadership. A lot of time has been given to restating what good support looks like and how it is consistently delivered. Sadly little time to date has been spent on exploring just why services continue to be purchased in places where the service model does not allow for what is recognised nationally as good support. I was delighted to hear today that this conversation is about to start. Count Brandon Trust in on this discussion!
 

I have a seriously interesting meeting with our Consultative Committee today; we are planning our 2012 ‘100 People,100 Voices’ Conference. Last year the people we support told Brandon to concentrate on improving their employment opportunities. As a result we are working through a 10 point action plan, the outcome of which will be reported at the next Conference. I wonder what the top issue to focus on this year will be? There’s so much to do and I know that the group I am meeting today will have lots of ideas; I’m all ears!

Much of what we do focuses on connecting people to their local communities. I was somewhat confused therefore this week, by a conversation in London with somebody that Odyssey (our subsidiary) supports. It concerned him supporting an Ice Hockey team, which included going to matches on a regular basis. Just as I was considering the practicalities of the transatlantic adventures that must be required, I realised that he lived round the corner from Streatham Ice Rink, the home to… yes one apparently rather good ice hockey team! He was indeed going local. His ambitions however are further afield; he is saving up to go to Canada on holiday, the home of the great game itself (or at least one of them)!
 

I will have been posting these reflections of my life and work in Brandon for 2 years this coming April. It strikes me however that I am surrounded by many others who are equally busy getting on with the stuff, ‘Making a Mark’ for people with learning disabilities. So I have asked a number of other key people in Brandon Trust to share some of their varied stories as well. If all goes to plan, these ‘guests’ will start to appear from March onwards, so keep a look out!

I know my Director of Communications, a jazz musician, could knock out a tune to fit the bill. It’s still dark out there and all the festivities are over… However, that Monday morning feeling won’t hang around here long at Brandon Trust, as there’s just too much to do, and much of it very exciting. I spent some time this week with my team considering our priorities for 2012-2013. With the economic climate as it is, I’m afraid it’s going to be a tough year, but we’ll make sure that we get involved in some really positive things as well as face the challenges. The mornings will get lighter!