A FAREWELL AND A WELCOME!

W hilst no longer chair, I look forward to continuing as a trustee under Faisal’s leadership and to see SIA – underpinned by you, our members – continuing to keep the SCI community’s needs, hopes and desires at the heart of all we do.

Claire Martin

As cliché as it sounds, it’s been a whistle-stop year since I b ecame SIA’s interim chair. We’d just embarked on a board effectiveness review, so one priority at board-level has been laying the foundations for stronger governance. This sits right at the centre of a good board and our role as trustees; perhaps you read my blog on our learnings from that process.

We also welcomed six new, brilliant trustees, including three members voted in by you. All this, whilst working collaboratively with the senior leadership team in developing our forthcoming organisational strategy – it’s no wonder the months have flown.

But as my tenure as chair comes to an end, so it begins for long-time SIA supporter and board member, Faisal Hussain. I am delighted to be handing these reins over to Faisal. His sound experience in governance, supportive and generous manner, and in-depth knowledge of the NHS mean we are in strong hands for the next three years of his term.

Firstly, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to Claire who has led SIA through some significant and transformational governance improvements. During my tenure, I will ensure we carry on this journey towards continued improvement. Whilst these changes are key to the better use of resources and decisionmaking for the charity, ultimately they are good for you, our members, knowing we as trustees are acting in your best interests to maximise benefits delivered to you.

Secondly, I would like to thank outgoing trustees Pete Hamilton and Christa Dyson, for their service and commitment to SIA after completing their maximum three terms on the board.

They will be missed around the board table for their sound knowledge, experience and commitment to furthering the rights of SCI people, ensuring we continue striving in our vision for a fulfilled life.

Finally, I would like to say what a huge honour and privilege it is to serve as the new chair of SIA. This is a charity very close to my heart, and one with which I have been associated as a member since 1989. To this day I recall that whenever I was told “no you can’t do that” and was left feeling dejected and demoralised, I would pick up the phone and call SIA’s helpline, explain the situation and be told by the helpful, knowledgeable and empathetic person on the other end, “yes, of course you will be able to do that.” A good example of this was being told I couldn’t drive – and I have enjoyed doing that for over 34 years since my injury!

A bit about me – I am C5/C6 tetraplegic (complete). I live in Leicestershire and am married to Rachel, a former occupational therapist. I am a huge fan of Leicester Tigers RFU and England. I love theatre, live shows and music and have spent the last 15 years resurrecting my vinyl collection (yes, those black plasticky round discs with grooves and scratchy noises) to play on my turntable and hi-fi.

Sia Chair

f.hussain@spinal.co.uk

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