News

Dear Derian House Colleagues,

 

It is great to see the lighter evenings and hopefully better weather as we leave March behind and head into April and Spring.

 

As I enter my fifth year as Chief Executive of this amazing charity I thought it would be worthwhile reflecting on the past 4 years and the significant achievements and changes we have made together.

 

The first two years were very much about reshaping and redesigning everything from our Culture and Values through to our buildings and services. It was not without challenges as change can be very difficult, and I together with the rest of the senior team were very grateful for all the support and understand throughout that period.  Here are the reflections on years one and two …

 

• Requires Improvement to Outstanding with our regulator the CQC recognising the amazing care we give to the children, young people and families who need us.
• Refurbished buildings full of colour, brighter, larger spaces and great new facilities such as the Cinema and Sensory Room.
• Culture and Values – written by the staff at Derian House.
• Strategic Aims which were clear and delivered meaningful change.
• Change to a new sustainable income approach to balance the books.
• Introduction of our amazing Derian on Holiday lodges.
• Increasing our shop network.

 

Ultimately, these two years set the foundations for our future and in hindsight strengthened us and made us resilient for what was to come in 2019.

 

The years since the start of the COVID pandemic have been challenging for everyone both at Derian House and at home and I admire everyone’s resilience – Thank You.

 

Even with these challenges we have remained open and able to provide our Outstanding care and support throughout. We have embedded ourselves within the wider health care sector ensuring Derian is seen as an equal partner and provider. It is so important to have achieved this recognition for the future sustainability of our Hospice. It has also been a time of significant change within fundraising with new approaches in donor engagement as well as new marketing and digital driven activity, we really are leading the way. Our finances continue to strengthen with robust budgets and more diverse income streams ensuring our future. Overall, through the difficult times and with your support we have remain focused and delivered to our charitable aims and ambitions and supported those who need us.

 

I intend to do the Keeping in Touch sessions face to face after I return from holiday at the end of April but of course as always if you have any questions then please do ask me, any member of the senior team or your line manager.

 

Finally, for those who are observing Ramadan which starts this weekend I wish you Ramadan Mubarak.

 

Thank you.

 

David