2020 – 21 has been another tough and unprecedented year for Penderels Trust, as it has been for everyone. It seemed that we’d turned a corner with the virus in Summer 2020, only for restrictions and lockdowns to be reintroduced and run on into Summer 2021. It is a demonstration of the power of good teamwork and leadership that the organisation has not only continued to deliver services throughout, but has developed new services and approaches and ends the year in a positive and stable financial position.

Working from home has been a dramatic change during the pandemic and while beneficial for some, has been hugely challenging for others, as has returning to the office and the Trustees and I recognise how flexible and helpful staff have been throughout this difficult period and thank you all for your support and commitment. Some of the changes that have been necessary because of the restrictions have led to beneficial outcomes, such as the use of technology to hold virtual Trustee meetings, which has enabled the opening up of Trustee recruitment beyond those who can access Coventry.

The Board was pleased to welcome two new Trustees: Jane Heppel and Kire Jordanoski earlier this year, both of whom bring a range of skills and experience to the Board. Unfortunately long standing Trustee, John Finnie, has been unable to continue in the role and the Board will now be actively seeking to recruit a Trustee who can offer a service user’s perspective.

At a time when many carers are under great pressure and often feel undervalued and unsupported, one of this year’s most exciting projects is the development of a web based resource for Personal Assistants (PAs) where we hope we can help PAs
to network, gain peer support and feedback and access resources and advice to help them in their work and we look forward to the launch later in the year.

The coming year also brings a major test for Penderels Trust in the form of the replacement of the existing Payroll system, which is no longer fit for purpose. The Payroll service is a key element of Penderels Trust services and we hope that this will provide an opportunity to improve provision to service users and streamline some of the Trust’s internal processes, whilst of course focussing on maintaining service continuity throughout the implementation process.

Veronica Cotterill, Chair