Action for Blind People, RNIB and SeeAbility have taken a step further towards making their innovative plans for future collaboration a reality, by appointing David Blunkett MP to act as an independent chair for the next stage of their discussions.
Mr Blunkett will work with the three CEOs and nominated trustees from each charity to ensure that improved sustainable services for blind and partially sighted people, including those with additional disabilities, are delivered as a result of this closer collaboration.
Equal partners
Mr Blunkett will also help to shape the future of the three organisations, which would become equal partners in a new corporate structure while retaining their individual identities as part of the collaboration plan. The future strategic direction of the organisations would be provided through the new structure, in which each of the three charities would have equal influence and status.
The appointment of Mr Blunkett begins the initial phase of the discussions, which is anticipated to last until October 2012. The desire of the three organisations to work more closely together actively supports the UK Vision Strategy, which aims to align the objectives of charities and professional groupings working in the sight loss sector.
Innovative approach
Mr Blunkett commented: "These organisations have taken an impressive and innovative approach to improving service delivery for blind and partially sighted people, including those with other disabilities by choosing to work together and for this they should be commended. I'm very pleased to take on the role of chairing the transition and giving a little back after years of supporting from the sidelines. Helping to explore more effective use of valuable resources and lifting the profile of the work being undertaken, encourages me to take on the task of getting everyone to work constructively together." Mr Blunkett takes up his new role in October 2011.
Stephen Remington, Chief Executive of Action for Blind People, said:
"Combining the resources and expertise of the three organisations will avoid duplication of services. By working together, we hope to give people with sight loss a stronger voice, helping them to access the support and outcomes they need, right across the UK."
Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of RNIB, said: "Blind and partially sighted people are at the heart of everything we do. We strongly believe that the coming together of our three organisations will make us fit for the future and enable us to support the increasing number of people living with serious sight loss in a challenging economic environment."
David Scott-Ralphs, Chief Executive of SeeAbility, said: "We are all committed to ensuring that the people supported by each of the three charities receive the best possible service to meet their needs. We want to lead by example and promote opportunities for wider collaboration within the sector."
Ends
Notes to Editor
For further media information please contact:
Action for Blind People:
chris.dyson@actionforblindpeople.org.uk on 0207 635 4921 or savannah.wiza@actionforblindpeople.org.uk on 0207 635 3027,
out-of-hours, 07739 819954.
RNIB: Susan Duncan, Media Relations Manager, on 020 7391 3291 or 07968 482812. susan.duncan@rnib.org.uk
SeeAbility: Jayne McGann on 01372 755020 or 07827 342298
j.mcgann@seeability.org
Action for Blind People
Action for Blind People is a national charity with local reach, providing practical help and support to blind and partially sighted people of all ages. Our close relationship with RNIB enables us to provide a unique combination of complementary strengths and expertise to help an ever increasing number of people with sight loss. If abbreviating "Action for Blind People", please use "Action" rather than AFBP or ABP. Contact Action for Blind People at www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk
RNIB
Every day around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with a sight problem. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
SeeAbility
SeeAbility is a national charity specialising in supporting visually impaired people who have additional disabilities. We provide a range of specialist services to this group of people in customised accommodation or in their own home. Our work also includes transforming eye health care for people with learning disabilities. For more information about SeeAbility's work visit www.seeability.org and www.lookupinfo.org