News: Chairperson's Annual Report for 2010
15th March 2011
Read the full Chairperson's Annual Report for 2010 here.
"I accepted my appointment as Chairperson at our AGM in February this year and was delighted and honoured to take over this important role, from retiring Chair, ACO John Walker. I am pleased to report that this has been a very productive and eventful year for all involved with the Trust. Trustees and Staff have worked hard, with the assistance of an external Charity expert, to review our services to make sure they are relevant and accessible, to all concerned. We have consulted and listened to a wide range of individuals including our beneficiaries, SFR operational and support staff, donors, retired colleagues, volunteers and ex Trustees and have received valuable feedback on our services.
Our aim now is to improve and develop the range of support and financial assistance we provide to serving and retired SFR employees and their families. We also aim to ensure that all members and non members of our Charity, understand just what makes Family Support Trust so unique and important. Since joining SFR I have been greatly impressed by both the Organisation’s and employees’ commitment to supporting charitable causes. I am sure you will also recognise that commitment but perhaps not be aware that whilst 100% of our employees, whether existing members or not, can be supported by the Family Support Trust at a time of need only 46% of us contribute to our own in-house charity via payroll. I would ask any employee who has not yet joined the Trust to consider doing so in 2011. We are the only single employer Fire and Rescue Service charity in the UK and the greater our membership base, the stronger our charity.
Over 2011, I am sure you will begin to see some of our new developments, for example, a twice yearly newsletter, our new logo and new publicity materials. With the generous support of the Board of SFR, we will be able to roll out the SFR employee discount scheme to our beneficiaries. We will be working with our Volunteer Area Representatives, to raise funds and promote the Charity across all of the Strathclyde area, whilst maximising the benefits from our Gift Aid campaign. Alongside our new work, the Charity will continue to provide it’s recognised and valuable services. Our grants will continue to assist our beneficiaries, serving and retired support and operational staff, with hardship, health and bereavement issues.
Our Spanish respite accommodation, which has been very well used this year, will continue to be available for a week’s rest and recuperation, following illness or bereavement and also on a rent and donate basis.
To conclude, I would like to thank you for your generous support during this and past years. I would also like to offer my thanks to the FST Staff, Grace & Vanessa, our SFR Volunteers, the Trustees, my SFR colleagues and members of the Board, for their invaluable assistance to the Trust. We look forward to keeping you informed and welcome your ongoing support for SFR Family Support Trust over this coming year."
Graham Haugh
Chair
SFR Family Support Trust
