CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am pleased to present the annual report of the Rehab Group for 2011, recording the many successes of those who access its services and of its staff. In addition to the individual stories featured, we have included for the first time an overview of some of the measurements the organisation captures of its broader social impacts. Together, these help to communicate in both qualitative and quantitative ways, the overall scale of the change Rehab brings about through its work.
The Board has been pleased to note the solid and sustainable performance of the Group’s divisions in competitive and challenging environments. Where necessary, the Group has moved quickly to address any emerging issues, to ensure future stability.
All of the activities of the Group are underpinned by its vision, mission and values and, in 2011, the organisation continued to innovate and develop new services to ensure it remains current and effective in meeting the needs of people who rely on its services. Continuous research and development of new methods of doing things and of emerging best practice, as well as active listening to the needs and wishes of the people who use our services and their families, is an important part of ensuring that we work in partnership to deliver quality services.
In 2011 the Group continued to innovate and achieve positive results. One example was the JobFit programme, delivered in Ireland in a partnership between TBG Learning and National Learning Network, which, due to its success, was afforded additional funding to continue in operation for a period beyond its initial contract. By the end of the programme in mid-2011, more than 2,100 people had taken part in training, with more than 650 moving directly to employment, exceeding its targets and ensuring a positive evaluation of the programme.
The Group continues to build on its range of fundraising initiatives, to provide much-needed funding for capital developments and service enhancements. The national fundraising day, 1 Day for Rehab, built on its first-year success with a 1K Swim for Rehab taking place in a number of leisure centres around the country. In the United Kingdom, the long-running Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race drew large crowds. Fundraising income is utilised to make sure that the best possible service can be provided, ensuring access to an improved physical environment, leisure activities, advanced technology, creative therapies and the arts – items that inspire, entertain, help achievement and improve quality of life. Sincere thanks to all who give so generously to the organisation during the year and to those who volunteer their time and talents to support fundraising efforts.
Rehab enjoys the support of a great many stakeholders throughout the organisation. I would like, in particular, to thank the people who use our services and their families for their support throughout 2011, and to express my hope for their continued and enhanced involvement.
The nature of service provision is that the experience of each person depends greatly on the staff that they encounter. Rehab’s greatest strength is the dedication of those staff. I would like to thank each of the Group’s 3,500 staff members for their commitment, hard work and achievements under the leadership of our Chief Executive Angela Kerins and the Group’s Management Team.
As Chairman of the Board, I believe that the robust governance structures that underpin the organisation ensure that we are in a position to deliver services that are of a quality and standard of which we can be proud, supporting each person to reach their potential and fulfil their hopes and dreams. Considerable effort and investment is made in clinical governance and risk management, as well as the implementation of quality systems. Rehab receives international recognition for these efforts and the successful pursuit of external accreditation provides assurance to our stakeholders. Of particular note must be National Learning Network’s achievement in becoming the first organisation in Europe to gain the European Quality in Social Services (EQUASS) Excellence Award for all of its services. RehabCare is also in receipt of this award in a number of centres and all of Rehab’s activities continue to follow the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model.
I would like to thank our funders, who continue to value the high-quality services delivered by all parts of the Group. In Ireland, we enjoy the support of the Health Service Executive, FÃS, the Departments of Health, Education and Skills, Justice and Equality, and Environment, Community and Local Government and, in the United Kingdom, we are supported by a wide range of funders, including the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, local authorities, health boards, Primary Care Trusts and other funding agencies. Many of our commercial customers have been strong supporters of the Group for many years and we look forward to serving them and maintaining sustainable employment for people with and without disabilities for years to come.
I would like to express my condolences to the family of life-long Rehab supporter John Browne who passed away in December. He had served on Group boards since the mid-1970s and gave a huge commitment in both time and energy to the development of the organisation for more than 30 years. His contribution is greatly valued by us all.
An organisation the size and complexity of the Rehab Group demands the attention of a Board that is prepared to devote considerable efforts to the furtherance of its mission. Board members, who act in a voluntary capacity, give generously of their time and expertise in the governance of the organisation and its divisional boards. I wish to thank them all for their efforts.
In 2011 the Board approved a Strategic Plan that sets out a vision to grow the services of the Group to benefit an increased number of people, both in Ireland and overseas. This augurs a busy time for the Group, as we consolidate current activity and look to the future. We look forward to the challenge of developing our services to meet new and emerging need.
Brian Kerr,
Chairman
View a PDF version of the Rehab Group Annual Report 2011.
