A message from our Society President, Helen Wiseman

Today's update is from Helen Wiseman, our Society President and Board Director.

As a Midcounties director, I am elected to represent the members of this Society. In writing to you now I am speaking personally as a member and Society president but also speaking on behalf of all our members in offering to Midcounties colleagues our grateful thanks for the incredible commitment and support you have shown during this crisis.

Many of you have continued to work during these unprecedented times, some of you in unfamiliar roles and unfamiliar teams, but all of you are supporting our communities and members in a way that is truly appreciated. I know this from the comments I have received from my local friends and neighbours, emails, letters, phone calls and the shoutouts on social media. I hope that you see and hear these too - they are for you.

I know that colleagues have found ways to support their community by looking out for vulnerable people, delivering shopping and medicines and reaching out to local Covid-19 mutual aid groups.  Again, can I thank you for that on behalf of the Society Board.  

Phil Ponsonby and the Executive team have been focussed on responding rapidly to the changing circumstances to support colleagues and members and at the same time protecting the society for the longer term. This has led to some difficult decisions around temporarily closing sites and furloughing colleagues. Where these actions have been necessary, consideration for our colleagues has been our priority and I hope that you feel this is reflected in the way terms and conditions have been applied. The length of the government measures is unknown at this point and we should expect that the Executive team will need to take further action to safeguard the society for the future, and will continue to do so with the support of the board, ensuring we act in accordance with our values and principles.

Finally, once again can I offer you a thoroughly deserved huge “thank you” and I send best wishes to you and your families in these challenging times.

Helen Wiseman

Society President and Board Director