Grace House is strengthening its trustee board and preparing for the next stage of its development, as it builds on more than 20 years of supporting children and families affected by disability.
The charity has recently welcomed new trustees as part of a wider programme of renewal, bringing fresh skills, perspectives and experience to the organisation.
Grace House CEO Lee Crosby said the changes come at an important time for the charity, with its current strategy approaching renewal and the organisation looking carefully at the needs of the families it serves. “We are incredibly proud of what Grace House has achieved over the last 20 years, but we also know that the needs of families are continually changing,” he said. “Our focus now is on understanding those emerging needs, listening to families and making sure we have the right skills and experience around the table to help us respond to them. “That means bringing in new people, new perspectives and expertise in areas that will be increasingly important to Grace House, including education, technology and digital ways of working.”
Peter Neal, founder of The Experience Bank Group, was involved in the process of identifying and supporting new trustees. Peter was invited to work with Grace House following discussions about the organisation’s future direction and the need to refresh its approach. The process was positive and collaborative, with face-to-face conversations helping candidates and trustees understand the organisation and its ambitions.
The process resulted in no less than four new trustees, including a new vice chair, recruited to support the organisation. These new trustees bring a range of experience and expertise, strengthening the board which is led by Chair, Kelly Chequer, as Grace House prepares to review its strategy and programmes.
Lee Crosby added: “Every person we have welcomed brings positive energy and a genuine desire to make a difference. That is really exciting for us because it gives us the opportunity to ask: where do we go next, and what do we need to do to build on the success of the last 20 years?”
Grace House’s ambition remains firmly rooted in ensuring that families have somewhere to turn when they have a child with a disability. “Our goal is that if you have a child with a disability, Grace House is one of the first places you think of coming to for support,” said Lee. “As we look ahead, we want to build on everything that has worked so well while making sure our services remain relevant to families today and in the future.”
The charity’s strategy is now approaching its renewal period, providing an opportunity to evaluate its programmes, consider emerging needs and work closely with families to shape its future priorities. The organisation is also planning further opportunities for trustees and staff to come together to look at the charity’s direction and how it can continue to respond effectively to families.
Lee concluded by saying that he would “wholly recommend” the experience of working with Peter Neal, describing the process as straightforward, well communicated and positive.
For Grace House, the next big thing on the agenda is its annual ball being held at the Grand Hotel Sunderland in October.
