cch chief executive

The Value of Volunteers

2011-03-29T15:24:00.002+01:00

I was asked recently why we have volunteers.

The true success of a voluntary organisation is, I believe, when you can't tell who is a volunteer from a member of staff - indeed within CCH we talk of "unpaid staff" because this is how we see the role of volunteers, in the many ways in which they help, being of equal worth with the paid staff.

But this does not fully answer the question. Nor is it simply that volunteers "help out" an organisation, because while they inevitabilty do, this is not the full reason for supporting and encouraging volunteers.

Perhaps the answer lies with the fact that as a voluntary community organisation it keeps us close to the community and the needs and aspirations of the local community. Then again we talk with pride about our founding mission to "make all our resources work for the greater advantage of the disadvantaged". Is it about helping others in need of help?

I am proud of the work we have done as an organisation over the past few years, linking in with best practice in the sector to really highlight the contribution people make, and that they are recognised for this effort. Today we recieve thousands of hours of voluntary effort every year.

You know, perhaps having volunteers is as much about providing a platform for individuals to be volunteers - a way in which they can "give back" to their community.

Our role, no duty, is to ensure this is done with respect and value, in a safe place and time, where the Big Society meets the ground.

Royal Magic Sparkle

2010-06-03T09:18:00.002+01:00

Yesterday evening I was invited to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queens official residence in Scotland for a Princes Trust presentation on excluded young people, and to be presented to HRH The Prince of Wales.

These things can be a bit posh for my taste, and indeed the number of "high heidens" was great, with Directors of this, Chief Executives of Colleges, and Councils, etc across Scotland. But two people impressed me most:

Sean, the young Able Seaman, an ambassador for Princes Trust who at 24 had seen his life turnaround with the help of the programme, identical to the ones we run at CCH - with a great speech and at ease (at least on the surface as he later told us!) with all these guests. His story was inspirational and encouraging for all those of us working away trying to make a difference.

The other was HRH the Prince of Wales, who set up the Trusts 25 years ago to help young people 16-25 across the UK who faced disadvantage. His vision has made a difference. He expressed delight that the programme he launched in CCH in 1989 was still going strong. A little dusting of Royal magic sparkle which gave recognition to the years of hard work and challenges. In a world of cuts, and performance monitoring and targets, and numbers it can be hard enough sometimes to remember its about people, never mind get a sense of recognition. Last night that changed.

Scalpel at the ready

2010-05-24T16:27:00.002+01:00

Today the new Conservative/Liberal government announced £6.7bn of spending cuts to be implemented this year (some 4% of the funding deficit in UK terms). For the Devolved Administration in Scotland this represents some £332m nett, delayed until next year, but some 6% of savings, with the expectation that there will be more on the way.

The reality is this will trickle down to local councils, and voluntary and community organisations like CCH, perhaps not always evenly, as certain services get protection, and others are easy targets. There is also the possible impact on purchasing power, with less jobs in the public sector will there be less demand for things like classes and childcare. The exact position wont be known for some time yet, but we all have to prepare now, if we havent already started, as we are doing at CCH. This everyone agrees is the first of many cuts. We need to get fit to survive.

On the News

2010-05-19T16:26:00.002+01:00

I don't normally listen to Radio 4, unless it's election time. But I did this morning on the way in to work. Being interviewed was Nat Wei the UK Governments new Advisor on "Big Society" and now a Member of the House of Lords. I lost count of the times he used the phrase "social enterprise" or "social capital", but I could tell also from what he said that he actually knew what he was talking about, and understood it.

There has been a lot of talk about what this "Big Society" that the Prime Minister has been raising will all be about. If he has Mr Wei helping him, it might bring a true golden age for social enterprise and community development. Time will tell.

Begining of the Week

2010-05-17T10:39:00.002+01:00

Don't you find that the beginning of the working week tends to bring mixed feelings - the end of the rest period (normally the weekend) and the start of the week. Sometimes I feel energised and am raring to go at the week and the challenges it presents, and the surprises which it keeps until you are in the thick of it! Sometimes I have a sense of foreboding, nay dread, and have to struggle to get up and face the seemingly uphill battle.

Sometimes of course these can be self-fulfilling. What was yours like this week?

Remembering - the Stockline ICL Disaster Memorial

2010-05-11T10:10:00.002+01:00

Today is the sixth year since the worst industrial accident in Scotland, and the death of nine people. It happened here, in our community, right next door. Today we stop and remember. For we will always remember, but especially on this day. Some of our number were there, others of us were not, but we cannot fail to be affected by the events of that day, and the days and nights that followed.

When things go well

2008-07-25T08:15:00.004+01:00

Well the Inquiry started - at CCH were are the host venue for the ICL Inquiry (Govt) into Scotlands worst industrial accident - the first Scottish / UK Public Inquiry - and before we knew it finished sitting with witnesses. The next stage will be shorter and take place in late October.

For us it proved that we can handle, and handle well, an important and complex event - there were no hiccups from our end - and indeed praise some several quarters on our professionalism and friendly responsiveness.

Much praise has also been received for the look of our completed building.

All this is topped off by the news this week that our Youth Services won the Scottish round of the StreetLeague football tournament and we are the only Scottish organisation to be awarded one of five inaugural BT Community Connector Awards!

It's simply great when things go well!!!

In the midst

2008-05-28T10:39:00.002+01:00

In the midst of it (refurbishment) there is dust.
In the midst of it there is confusion.
In the midst of it there is disruption.
In the midst of it there is movement.
In the midst of it there is unsettlement.

Yet...

We are nearer finished than at the beginning.
We are nearer the building we want to have.
We are nearer the kind of workplace we would wish to have.
We are nearer the quality of place that will give pride to the community.
We are nearer the beginning of a new chapter in the future of CCH.

Definitely worth the midst of it all.

re-building - a voyage

2008-05-15T14:18:00.003+01:00

In the middle of refurbishment is always the worst place to be.

Neither finished nor as organised as normal - you tend to be at the messiest and most disorganised. Everything is everywhere, and nothing is where it ought to be.

That us where we are right now. And being there it is difficult to see the finish line and what things will look like, and it becomes increasingly difficult to remember how things were.

But despite this we have uncovered and discovered some amazing things about our building, some lovely features, and made some new ones, which all adds to putting this generations stamp on a building which has stood before us, and will stand long after we are gone.

Such things should not be taken lightly nor dismissed. For we leave part of ourselves for those that follow to see and feel.

Spring Lunch together

2008-04-16T15:23:00.002+01:00

Today all the services in CCH met for lunch. From the nursery to out of school care, to young people, to older folks in daycare - all met for lunch and some entertainment afterwards.

Exactly the kind of CCH I want to have and see - and exactly the strength we have as a community organisation, now and for the last 30 years.

The kind of thing that makes any job worthwhile.

Assumptions

2008-02-27T13:59:00.003Z

There are many dangers in making assumptions. The very word assume suggests that it makes an "ass out of u and me". And yet people still are quick to make judgements, pass comment and generally share their views based on a series of assumptions.

No one view of the world is right. Not one person is perfect and without fault. Should not our energies be - what can I do to help or change things rather than criticise and carp?

Perhaps we should stop more often and think about the assumptions we are making before we open our mouths...

Wrestling with the Linkages

2008-02-25T12:17:00.003Z

I got into trouble the other day. Why? For not keeping this blog up to date. By Whom? My own staff. You see we have a link between the blog and the company intranet so that staff members can easily link into my latest ranting (or should that be thinking?).

How often do we link-up the different parts of our thinking and actions - and how often do we leave them to swing in the wind?

I have been wrestling with such a question around our strategic development, and how to link my thoughts and the aspirations of the Board, with the actions and objectives of the individuals and teams of CCH. We recently had an IIP (Investors in People) Pre-Assessment Diagnostic which told me we needed to do this as an organisation - following I have to say my own thinking on the matter.

The solution? - well I don't know yet - look for a later posting when I resolve this.

Celebrating Effort

2008-02-19T13:10:00.002Z

OK How often do we make a point of celebrating or rewarding the efforts made by those around us, or whom work for us, or with us?

In planning out my calendar for the next few months it struck me that I had not planned in for any informal time with my management team, as before Christmas we met for lunch at least once a month.

I also have a team of volunteers whose time with us is coming to an end - and as yet no plans have been made to celebrate their time with us.

In planning forward it is easy to plan the meeting dates and the dreaded deadlines - but surely we must also plan in for those times of reward and recognition. To celebrate each other and our labours. If we don't are we not just then considering ourselves as machines?

Response to an apology

2008-02-15T10:45:00.002Z

I got an apology from a member of staff yesterday.

A rare thing in itself, but this was an apology for expressing a view, an opinion, about a work issue. She apologised for mouthing off and promised to keep it buttoned in the future.

The thing is I appreciate her views and opinion. I value her openness and professional judgement. I am glad she feels able to share her views and experience with me. I need her to input into my decisions in this area as I don't always have the right, or sometimes any answers.

She is not one of those members of staff, whom we sometimes come across who "force" their views ahead of everyone else, or shouts the loudest.

So my response? Simple, I sent her this emai:

"The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people. -- Woodrow Wilson
I should say no more.

Mark"

Sometimes that is all we should say.

Time Flying

2008-02-07T10:44:00.000Z

Crumbs!

I thought I was better at keeping up to date than the gap between this and the last blog entry. But then don't we all - that is have good intentions of keeping up with things, people, friends, and yet time flys past and before you know it weeks and months have passed.

Where do we find the time and space to keep up with whats going on beyond our own world, and in some situations beyond our own walls?

And yet if as Chief Executive I don't do it or find the time, then who will? and if I don't do it then who is looking out at the wider world and picking up the trends, information, and yes sector gossip which aids our intelligence in setting and determining the future?

Note to myself - must do better. must do more keeping up!

Inspired by Others

2007-10-31T11:12:00.000Z

One of the things I really try and make time for is research. Perhaps this is a hangover from my early days when in my first post prior to graduating I was responsible for research and information, but in this post I find it a never ending source of ideas, concepts and information to reflect on and consider for CCH.

Of course today is it driven by google, but reading the periodicals and journals (which I never really feel is work - which is wrong - we need to keep up with the latest views and trends) can direct you to new organisations, events, information, even the websites themselves give food for creative thought.

Is it copying? Perhaps, but I think it is more about being inspired by others to think about new ideas, and not become totally inward focused. Something which is very easy to become.

Changing the Clocks, Changing Times

2007-10-29T15:51:00.000Z

The turning back of the clocks in the UK always becomes associated with the oncoming of winter, the "dark nights" and the end of the summer (whatever weather that was - and this year not brilliant). As the first work day back after the extra hour yesterday, today has a real sense of progress, even if a bit hectic and from my viewpoint slightly disjointed.

Or is it?

Much of my day today has been contributing to collective decisions, activities, or plans, about joint working or collaboration between sections and departments - just the kind of work I have been aspiring CCH to do since the start of the re-organisation. Has the changing of the clocks helped focus the changes of CCH or have we reached a point in the change process where the impact and implications of the change are starting to become very clear and almost tangible?

Time, as it always does, will ultimately tell.

Much Progress

2007-10-15T09:59:00.000+01:00

Since my last posting there has been a whirlwind of progress within the building.

Success in funding has given us extra work in locating suitable suppliers, designs for potential refurbishment worked on, and discussed in earnest, and into the reporting season with Audits and reports for funders. Phew!

The solid signs of progress give everyone heart and the annual Managers Away Day (for planning the year ahead) had a real sense of purpose and energy about it (and that was not just the supply of sweets or chocolate!). I feel very positive about the future, which of course will have it's challenges, but life would be boring without those!

Holiday malise

2007-08-02T13:22:00.000+01:00

During this time of year many people take the opportunity for some annual leave, some rest and relaxation. With school holidays, and the potential for nice weather (not always forthcoming!) everything is in place.

The down-side is the pace of everything slows -the ability to make decisions, the ability to collect information / consult and generally make progress becomes slower - and with it the danger that progress stalls completely.

Holidays need to be a refreshment for the task ahead, and not become the outcome or excuse for lack of progress.

Money and the Aberdonian

2007-07-31T09:26:00.000+01:00

Every decision I have to make seems to have a financial implication. To spend; to save; to discount; to bid for; to price; to calculate; to extend credit etc etc.

Sometimes the cumulative effect is such that I end up with the feeling that I don't want to spend anymore, and can't make anymore decisions (not true in reality). This is not helped by the birthright of being an Scot and an Aberdonian at that (Aberdonians being seen as especially "canny" (careful) by rest of the Scots, whom themselves are seen as "canny" with money.

I wonder if I would feel the same if there was a never ending supply of funds at the Bank. The answer is probably yes - because at the end of the day it is not my funds, and as CEO I have a duty to make the money work hard, but protect it, and get it to stretch as far as I can.

The solution, if there is one, for me, is to take a deep breath, and ask myself the questions "Do we really need this? Do we need this now? How does this fit with our objectives and mission?

An Issue of Trust

2007-07-19T10:36:00.000+01:00

The newspapers and TV are full of the revelation that the BBC have broken the viewers trust by having false winners in competitions, including fundraising events.

A real reminder to all of us that trust with staff and service users is not something that can be abused, neglected or even deliberately jettisoned for the sake of better figures/results/convenience. With the increasing financial and competitive pressures it is not easy for anyone, including the BBC, to always maintain the correct focus, but we must. There is simply no alternative.

Annual Departure

2007-06-29T12:08:00.000+01:00

In about an hours time I'm off for my summer holidays. Already the roads on the way into work were quieter this morning - a sign that the schools are due to break-up this afternoon.

Searching for some sun and relaxation (!?) - without a laptop or pile of papers - or at least away from the desk/building - this really only seems to happen once a year now, but you know I have left some lists, but lots of other things not completed, but they will still be there when I get back. The place will still be standing and operating whilst I'm gone.

Two Tears

2007-06-27T16:47:00.000+01:00

On Friday within two hours of each event I was faced with the extremes of community life - right here in CCH. One was the tears of an upset elderly lady, who was feeling vulnerable, threatened and bullied. The other the tears of laughter and joy from some young people delivering a presentation/drama.

With the first I felt my blood boil, and the need to ensure that this does not happen to this person again - something which is within my ability to influence. Even with the solution implemented my anger did not subside.

With the second my conviction on the positive impact CCH has on lives, and on turning round those who need help and focus, was once again reaffirmed.

This can be a stressful place to work. This can be a rewarding place to work. This place changes lives.

A life of contrasts

2007-06-18T11:22:00.001+01:00

On Friday I had a important meeting with a funder on the audit and progress of a number of issues surrounding £157k's worth of work. Important and high level, with phases like "strategic" and "public pound" and "service level agreement" peppering the conversation it felt work of value and the kind of thing a Chief Executive would do.

On Saturday I was part of the team supporting a Wedding catering and function being held at CCH. Tasks ranged from plating food, serving, tiding -up and generally helping to make sure that the event went well, and that guests enjoyed the event.

A life of contrasts perhaps, but in reality each vital in it's own way to the operation, reputation and future of CCH. Sometimes these things happen over the course of a few days, but I have also had these extremes within a working day (and is the reason why I always keep a pair of jeans and T-shirt in the office, as well as the business suit!). Who can say working in a social enterprise is routine???

Of place and buildings

2007-06-04T09:57:00.000+01:00

Laurence Demarco writes in his latest email from senscot (www.senscot.net) of his experience of place - in fact of being at the same spot, in different times and different buildings. This weekend I was reflecting on CCH but not as an organisation, but as a building. This is probably inspired by the act we have an architect working on determining the specifications of our planned refurbishment.

It has always struck me that CCH as a building has a very special history, built by subscription in the 1920's, completed in 1923, with the inheritance even then of the Lewis Organ (itself built in 1889). Built with the foresight to be a community resource, which 80 years later is exactly what it does full time. Oh and the religious link is not lost either, as it now hosts three different groups across the week.

The challenge of the refurbishment is to update the building for 21st century use, but not lose the heritage of the place, and it's character - for we are only stewards of it.

The World at Large

2007-05-31T17:18:00.000+01:00

Today I had the opportunity which does not come along that often -to go and see other centres doing a similar thing (although often not to the same scale / variety) and find out what goes on behind the scenes. The pretext for this was to identify and learn from others how they were able to refurbish / redevelop their building, and what they did with their space.

Some ideas collected, some great free information on what TO DO and what NOT to do, but perhaps more than anything a recognition within oneself that actually for all the peeling paint, cracked tiles, much of what we have at CCH is great, and alot of the work required is actually quite superficial.

The danger in these visits is to become very green eyed - I must admit it is hard not to feel this -but it is important to focus on improving what we do have, rather than waste energy on what others have and we don't.

Communication - the organisation's lubrication

2007-05-24T13:11:00.000+01:00

Sometimes when I eventually manage to escape and head home for the night I find myself thinking back over the day and wondering what I have actually done during the day. Often it can feel that there is not that much of a tangible nature - but lots of interaction with all manner of people.

In reality being a Chief Executive is all about communication - presenting ideas and strategy, of attitudes and approaches, of sharing information and facts, of making and implementing decisions, of listening and engaging, of reflecting and just talking to staff and all the other service users and stakeholders, to reinforce that we are all part of the same team. It can take time, and is n't perfect, but it is vital lubrication in the operating of any organisation.

It's a Vision Thing

2007-05-23T12:42:00.001+01:00

A good part of yesterday was spent basically doing two things - one was working with the management team on determining a list of values (essentially defined as how things are done around here guidelines for staff and stakeholders) for then wider involvement by staff; and the other a visit to another social enterprise in Glasgow working in a similar community setting.

The first session was very productive, and for me very positive as there was a real consensus on the final selection and the ethos which should be guiding us - I look forward to how a wider group react.

The second one is one which I often find when visiting- you collect ideas, see different ways of working, see that actually you are not that bad/poor etc, and get the chance to swap ideas and information.

Both contribute to the development of my vision of the future CCH - help me refine and define what we are, what we could be, and how we could get there.

Making and Marking Decisions

2007-05-21T11:26:00.000+01:00

The days since the last post have been busy, first the Board meeting (our Office Bearers this month, following our two tier system, which we have all agreed to replace, but will take time given the new OSCR requirements to advertise changes in the constitution!), followed by our monthly Management Team meeting.

The Board meetings I always find challenging, not necessarily because of the questions, but I suppose the general principle about being held accountable for the organisation. It can sometimes feel like PM questions - and being ready to answer almost anything, but it keeps me on my toes, and I need to ensure I know whats going on in my own organisation.

The Management Team have struggled over the last few meetings to find an effective route to mark decision making, and it appeared this time that we have cracked it. The solution? A flipchart to record decisions! Sigh Sometimes we look for the complicated way. By having a focus point, something to stop us all recording separate and different notes - one note, all visible, and can all be agreed at the moment of decision- brill!

Talking Softy and Listening Well

2007-05-15T14:58:00.000+01:00

Sometimes success and progress is made not by a great fanfare or by making a fuss. Sometimes it is simply providing a solution, which may be listening well to a viewpoint and giving it due thought and care; or being the quiet supportive voice which says yes, I believe in you, in your views and in support you.

The ways of "who shouts loudest is heard" is part of the old school - not the CCH I wish to create and lead. This is what I mean by respect and mutual support and encouragement.

The Monday Morning

2007-05-14T12:44:00.000+01:00

Monday mornings can always be a bit of challenge in CCH - you never quite know what will face you as you come into the building in the morning, especially if it is a Monday morning. It's almost like things get stored up over the weekend, ready to pounce on you first thing on your return.

The bright sunny morning didn't help. The meeting with Social Work on funding didn't help (more work required, and then, perhaps the prospect of maybe some funds - funds for work we are doing and have done for years).

Today however I was met by a positive note - a funding application which would need to be done by Wednesday for youth work- the potential for some money- and somebody to do it!
Perhaps Monday mornings can be uplifting? Well steady on!

Stockline Remembered

2007-05-12T19:08:00.000+01:00

Three years ago our community, Glasgow, and Scotland experienced it's worst industrial incident ever. As we remembered the Stockline disaster this week at CCH we thought back to the role we played in those horrific days of worry, stress, relief and grief for the families of Stockline and the emergency services.

Those days, although as the years go by recalled by fewer and fewer of our number, show the spirit of CCH, and the importance of community to it, and the strength of our connections within our community.

Few of us can relate to the direct experience the of relatives, but the tea, comfort, space, food, and even sleeping space provided the greatest thing we can do in these circumstances - be there for the community, at it's very heart.

And I give thanks that we can do that.

Life in a bubble

2007-05-11T11:35:00.000+01:00

I attended a conference earlier this week - normally I hate these things with a vengeance, and always feel a bit uncomfortable with the "who are you bit", and since starting at CCH always end up assessing the venue and catering to see if:

a. we could do it cheaper, better
b. if there is anything we could "steal" or learn from our competition.

This one was different. Simply because it made me think about all the things I don't know and we as an organisation don't know - and how if we are not careful and engage beyond our comfort zone and existing contact we will effectively live in a bubble.

As an organisation aspiring to be at the heart of the community this is a reminder to me to work harder and make more of an effort to continuously learn, even in that subtle way to making a point of going to more of these things.

Living in a bubble might be protected, but it can also be very isolating and stifling - something we are all working hard to get away from!

May Day Reflections

2007-05-08T09:49:00.000+01:00

May Day was traditionally the day for workers, a time to be released from the factory floor and rejoice - a hard won day off if I recall.

This May Day period has been quite amazing - the impact and outcome of the Scottish Parliamentary elections not quite yet resolved - will it be a SNP minority government? What will this mean for the voluntary sector? No-one really knows.

The extensive coverage of the French Presidential elections reminds us that we are not an isolated island, and the impact of a right wing (reforming?) French President may have more of an impact on us than we first think. Already noises are being made about the Constitution for Europe.

Closer to home the local Council elections also mean full change in the approach and outlook for our local councils - I look forward to meeting my new local faces and forging an effective relationship for the benefit of CCH and the local community.

The past few days have also seen CCH undergo a bit of a renewal with managers and myself holding a development day at Mugdock Country Park (a lovely place to visit). A renewal day because out of it has come a new mission statement, and the start of defining our values as an organisation. I am already looking forward for staff and Board Directors to contribute to this process with their views and ideas.

We were also reminded during the day not just to focus on what we have to do, and want to do, but also to spend some time celebrating our successes and achievements. A challenge for real!

Phew - all this in four days!

In the Beginning

2007-05-02T15:00:00.000+01:00

I have thought about doing this for almost two years now - and finally have got it organised.

Why?

To provide a space for me to think on paper -to share thoughts and views on life within one of the most amazing places I have ever worked.

To provide a way for all those interested in cch to hear from me my take on the events, trials, challenges, and stories as they happen.

To open a dialogue directly with the wider world on what it is like to run a fair sized scottish charity in the 21st century.