Our founder, Dr Thomas Armitage was a physician who lost his He realised the key to unlocking opportunities – for education, employment and better living conditions – was to be found in Louis Braille’s revolutionary reading format. His crusading work to break down barriers facing blind people Is a legacy reflected in our mission today. It’s also a time for us to take stock. To acknowledge the fundamental challenges that still remain for blind and partially sighted people. And to renew our commitment to overcoming them. Around two million people live with sight loss in the UK today. And it can be tough. From difficulty accessing treatment and services, to a lack of emotional and practical support, blind and partially sighted people each face their own set of challenges every day. Feelings of isolation are unacceptably high, and only one in four blind or partially sighted people of working age has a job. And we know the numbers will increase dramatically. By 2050, around 500 people could start to lose their sight every day – that’s one every three minutes. The world and everything in it is changing rapidly and our customers and their expectations are no exception. Our context is becoming ever more complex: changes in giving trends, increased regulation and public scrutiny and uncertainties around Brexit make it even more important that we are the best we can be. So we are finding new solutions, new ways to build a world where the equal participation of blind and partially sighted people is the norm. Our vision - the world we want to create Imagine a world where people say: ‘I can live the life I want to lead’ and ‘I’m valued for who I am, not identified by the disabilities I happen to have’. We’ll lead the creation of a world where there are no barriers for people with sight loss.
Authentic, builds trusting relationships Demonstrates empathy for others Open and confident communicator, effectively engages, listens and influences Innovates and experiments, learns from what hasn’t worked and meet changing needs Responsible risk taker Adapts constantly at speed, recovers from setbacks and keeps going in the face of adversity Demonstrates courage, integrity and confidence to challenge others and champion change information, knowledge and time Builds networks, works with others to find solutions and get things done Seeks and integrates a diverse range of perspectives, people and ideas Supports others to stretch, challenge and develop, proactively gives and seeks feedback sector to widen impact Self-aware, understands how emotions impact on performance and relationships Shows humility, compassion and respect Persistent and perceptive in identifying opportunities, both internally and externally Has backbone, strength to own actions and follow them through Continuously learns, reflective and honest about own contribution Promotes professional standards, follows and maintains processes to keep us safe and legal Who we are Interim Chief Executive Line manages: Relationships Director Services Director Strategic HR Adviser Director of Finance and Corporate Services Director of Care, Education and Safeguarding Development Director Governance Manager Head of Strategy and Performance Head of Business Intelligence, Customer Experience and Change Head of Programme Delivery