From the Board May 2010

Welcome to the May edition of “From the Board”.  At the May meeting the Board considered and acted on the following matters:

Members

·           Approved 47 new members, removed 4 members from the register at their request or due to incorrect admission, and one member who unfortunately has passed away.

·           Discussed and agreed on the need for a review of the voting rights of members. This item has now been referred to the Board’s Constitutional Reform Committee.

Fundraising

·           Acknowledged with gratitude the receipt of $80,000 from Ricoh Australia at the Beaches Breakfast on the 26 March, and a $50,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Building Society Foundation that will help Sunnyfield establish a community nursery at our Charmhaven DOP site.

·           The Chair informed the Board that Sunnyfield had won second prize in the ASX Thomson Reuters Charity Foundation Art Union.  The prize was a beautiful string of pearls worth $15,000.  This item would be used for fundraising purposes in due course.

Divisional Updates

Each Division’s Business Report was considered, and the Board particularly noted the significant improvement in staff vacancies and turnover. Annual staff turnover has reduced from 35% two years ago to a current rate of 10%.  

Enterprises

·           During April, Enterprises has had a record month for Ablite sales with $500,000 invoiced as a result of the $1 million Hunter TAFE project. Despite Ablite’s success, Enterprises is facing a significant downturn of business due to the Global Financial Crisis. The Sales & Marketing department is very focussed on sourcing new business to replace this and to ensure the people we support remain in meaningful employment.

·           There was considerable discussion regarding the operating outcomes and balance sheet.  Sunnyfield remains in a relatively strong position; however Brand and Fundraising must remain a key factor to support the goal of financial independence.

·           The Modern Award continues to impact workload and employee conditions.  Continued communication with staff to explain the impact of the changes is currently being undertaken.

Community Services

·           Cathy Commins, General Manager Community Services, gave a presentation of the operational processes of this Division to the Board.  The presentation covered the scope of operations including numbers and diversity of staff, programme variety, funding and geographical spread. The achievements of the Division against the business plan for the year to date and achievements of individuals was of great interest to the Board members.  The Board congratulated Cathy and Frank Francis, Chief Executive Officer, on the comprehensive nature of the services offered.  A description of those services is available on the Sunnyfield website.

Policy Development

·           The Board reviewed the proposed new procedures for “How to Respond to Alleged Assault or Abuse Situations (for Adults)” and “How to Protect Children and Young People at Sunnyfield”.  The Board approved the revised proactive approach including the establishment of a trained Response Team.

The next meeting of the Board will be held in July 2010 and, as always, the Board welcomes submissions and receipt of any items the members would like the Board to discuss and consider. These can be forwarded through to the CEO’s Office.

Patricia McKenzie Sunnyfield Chair