According to the Collins Dictionary, ‘If one thing is equal to another, they are the same in size, number, standard, or value.’

VALUE(S)

As a Trust we know a thing or two about values. Our values ensure the individuals we support are at the centre of all that we do.

We know the value of Active Support, which enables individuals to challenge themselves and exercise greater control over their lives.

But in terms of expecting individuals to contribute to some of the ‘bigger decisions’ that shape their support, we have some way to go. Strategic and operational decisions are largely made in individuals’ best interests. Perhaps even by imagining ourselves in their shoes.

When so many of our individuals have the capacity to contribute?

With the value of lived experience.  A matter for attention of the Board.

STANDARD

Our Board of Trustees are group of volunteers who support and challenge senior leaders to deliver on strategy.

They are an incredible group with broad learned experience but as yet, lack members with lived experience. And even with best intentions, who among us could ever fill shoes, that we’ll never know what it’s like to walk in?

So, as a Trust we are entering new territory. To ensure the voices of lived and learned experience, inform ‘big decisions’ as standard.

We are opening the Board room door. And our individuals are keen to enter.

NUMBER(S)

A total of 43 individuals expressed their interest in becoming members of an Equal Voices Council. This council will run as a shadow Board and is the first step on our journey to an inclusive Board. With just 7 places on the council, 17 of those individuals took their interest further and went on to Equal Voices ‘Try Outs.’

Potential representatives were set two tasks. The first being to speak about a subject of interest. All 17 individuals spoke from the heart. Denis, about the freedom of owning his own vehicle, as a wheelchair user. Karen, about the joy of working for 25 years in a job that she loves. Mathew, about the skills and companionship that comes from a joining a group like Men in Sheds.

Conversations about rights, purpose and a desire to learn and share their experience. Everything our Board of Trustees stand for.

The group were then tasked with reviewing a Board Report and showcased their readiness to support and challenge.

With Matthew keen to check, ‘how do Wilf Ward compare themselves to other organisations?’ Denis probing, ‘do you think it’s important that people outside Equal Voices get to know about what goes on at Board?’ And Beth demanding to know, ‘what are the Board doing about what the government says about Health and Social Care?’

SIZE

BIG News: We now have seven Equal Voices Representatives.

Huge congratulations go to Jess, Denis, Mathew, Janice, Beth, Stuart and Susan. Our trailblazers, set to pave the way for others with lived experience to follow.

And acknowledgement extended to all those involved in driving this sizeable shift.

Because the only way to equal voices is through true opportunity to measure up. In an organisation supporting adults with learning disabilities, ‘big decisions’ made without the insight of lived experience will always land a step removed.

For our trailblazers, Board talk is about to get personal.

And that is a powerful thing.

MISSION

Challenging ourselves and others to provide choice and opportunity for adults with learning disabilities.