A lot to say ‘thank you’ for

As we prepare to say good luck and farewell to our Chief Executive Officer, Normandie Wragg, I have been reflecting on the journey Nugent has been on in the 10 years that Normandie has been at the helm – there is a lot to say thank you for. Nugent is proud of its values, values that are woven like a golden thread through all that the charity does. These values were devised by Normandie back in 2017, and are more important today than ever before, and are celebrated each year at our iACCORD Awards, recognising the work of our colleagues across all services. This desire to be an advocate for colleagues being recognised has seen individuals receive national awards and numerous nominations. Supporting Nugent’s aspiration to be an outstanding organisation, Normandie set about implementing a culture of excellence to monitor and support our homes, delivering transparency and oversight. This was an inspired decision and enabled Nugent to provide improved homes, school, community, and social work services. Today, thanks to this vision, Nugent can be proud that all its services are rated at least Good by its regulators – even achieving the highest rating of Outstanding in 2021 for the only secure children’s home in the country, owned and operated by a charity.

Normandie’s passion for equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI) lit a spark within the charity resulting in the creation of our EDI Assembly and staff forums, focused on making Nugent a better place to live and work and benefiting the people in our care and our hardworking and dedicated colleagues. Normandie’s desire to improve conditions for our colleagues saw Nugent sign up to the Dying to Work Charter, providing enhanced protection for terminally ill colleagues.

I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to act as Chief Executive Officer (interim) by our trustees and build upon the foundations Normandie leaves behind. On behalf of all the people in our care, colleagues, volunteers, and trustees, we wish Normandie our best wishes for the future; and for the legacy you leave behind – thank you.