Introduction from the Chairman
Dear Candidate
Being Chairman of Guide Dogs, one of the UK's best-known and best-loved charities, is something I'm incredibly proud of. At Guide Dogs we have been bringing independence and mobility to blind and partially sighted people since 1931, primarily through provision of the Guide Dogs Service. We are now implementing our exciting strategy, "Building Extraordinary Partnerships", which will enable us to expand our range of mobility services and reach thousands more.
Our ambitious and challenging strategy centres around the powerful concept of the 'Mobility Journey' and it is founded on research that we have carried out into the needs of blind and partially sighted children, young people and their families, as well as the needs of adults who have experienced visual loss. The research shows that families don't receive the support they require. 180,000 blind and partially sighted adults rarely, if ever, leave home alone. People who don't get out and about cannot get to college, to work, do their shopping or lead an active social life. Guide Dogs' strategy seeks to ensure that blind and partially sighted people of all ages are able to get about and lead inclusive lives. The Guide Dog Service will always remain at the heart of what we do. It is what we are known and loved for. And whilst we continue to grow our guide dog and other mobility services, our future objectives will also require effective collaboration and the development of strong partnerships across the sector.
In the coming year, some of our trustees will come to the end of their term of office, we are therefore seeking two new trustees to join our team. In particular we are keen to hear from individuals with a proven record of successful leadership gained at board or senior management level in the disability or voluntary sector in an organisation of at least comparable complexity and size to Guide Dogs and / or individuals with a proven record of negotiation and campaigning experience at ministerial level. Applications from blind and partially sighted candidates would also be particularly welcomed.
Guide Dogs changes people's lives, and in looking for our future trustees we are looking for individuals who share our passion and want to make a tangible and positive impact to the independence and mobility of blind and partially sighted people.
I thank you for your interest in Guide Dogs. If you would like to find out more about the Charity, the role and how to apply, I'd encourage you to read on.
Tony Aston
Chairman of Guide Dogs