Mel Dunn, Together Trust Chief Executive, shares her reflections on her past 18 months at the Together Trust and introduces our charity’s brand new All Together five-year plan.
“When I joined Together Trust as Chief Executive, I knew I was joining an organisation with a remarkable history and reputation – it’s what drew me to the Trust in the first place! But what I couldn’t fully appreciate until I arrived was the depth of passion, commitment and expertise, that exists across every part of the charity in every service.
Over the past 18 months, I have had the privilege of meeting colleagues, volunteers, trustees, families, partners and, most importantly, the children, young people and adults we support.
I’ve seen our values in action, they are at our core – it’s why we chose them!
I’ve witnessed colleagues showing real courage by speaking up with new ideas, challenging existing ways of working and helping us think differently about the future.
I’ve seen compassion in the way people truly listen, give their full attention and build trusting relationships with those they support.
And I’ve seen collaboration at its very best through engagement with Together Council representatives, through cross-organisational working, and in the partnerships we continue to build.
The landscape we’re operating in
From our first-hand experience – corroborated by the landscape and conditions report we worked on with NCVO – we know that demand continues to grow across education, social care and health services.
Increasing numbers of children and young people require specialist support. Families often find themselves navigating complex systems at a time when they are already facing significant challenges. Services across are under pressure, inequalities persist, and too many people still face barriers to living the life they want.
At the same time, expectations are changing. We rightly expect services to be more personalised, more inclusive and more joined up and we must support people to have their voices heard or to access the support they need.
But with these challenges also comes opportunity.
A new TLT brings the opportunity to reflect, build on all that has gone before but create new ideas, new opportunities, new ways of working for the benefit of all associated with the Trust internally and externally.
Having a clear strategy matters. It gives us a shared direction and a renewed commitment to the people we support. It challenges us to think bigger about the difference we can make and the role we can play in influencing wider change.
Working together to develop this vision
One of the most rewarding parts of developing this strategy has been hearing directly from colleagues, families, partners and the people we support.
What struck me was how aligned people were in their aspirations for the future. Across different conversations, there was a clear determination to make the very best use of the skills, expertise and facilities we have across the Trust. There was also a strong belief that we can achieve more by working together.
I was struck by the scale of engagement and the overwhelming commitment to our purpose. People genuinely wanted to help shape our future, and that collective ownership is reflected throughout the strategy.
It was a welcome bonus to take the time to come together, for us all to reflect and remind themselves about what we do and why we do it. It created great energy and a reinvigorated shared sense of purpose.
What excites me most is that this strategy brings opportunity.
It is about helping people be heard, build independence, strengthen relationships, access education and employment, participate in their communities and achieve their own ambitions. It is also about creating the conditions for our colleagues to thrive, so they can continue delivering the exceptional support for which Together Trust is known.
Our next five years
In the same way that I want to be a great mum, nana and role model, I am driven by a desire to make a positive difference and create opportunities for others. I believe everyone deserves the chance to fulfil their potential, particularly those who face additional barriers and challenges in life.
That belief is what brought me to Together Trust and it is what gives me confidence about the future.
As we launch the All Together Plan, I feel optimistic about what we can achieve together. We have a clear vision, an ambitious strategy and, most importantly, incredible people who bring that strategy to life every day.”
