It all started with a telephone call approximately 12 years ago. Hello, my name is Barbara McKenzie, I am a Development Worker with Dunfermline Advocacy (DA) and during our recent networking someone suggested you might be able to help with the recruitment of a Citizen Advocate for a patient in Lynebank Hospital.
Following my decision to volunteer as a Citizen Advocate I joined the Board of DA a few months later. Having served as Board Chairperson for 11+ years I have decided to step down as a Trustee and allow for some new blood to join the Board. However, given my experiences of being a Citizen Advocate, and seeing first hand the benefits it brings to a vulnerable person, I will of course continue with that role.
It has been a privilege and pleasure to Chair DA. Based on the ethos of continuous improvement, we have, year on year made significant progress. A huge strength is our strong governance, good systems and decision – making processes. I am also extremely proud of the fact that we have never wavered from Citizen Advocacy principles.
One of my last roles as Chair was to facilitate the DA 25th birthday celebration at Carnegie Library. This successful event was underpinned by exhibition boards which captured the history of DA. It has not been all plain sailing, I have sometimes referred to it as a roller coaster experience!! But DA undoubtedly benefits from a very dedicated and committed team (CEO, Development Workers and Admin team), supported by a constructive and challenging Board of Trustees.
I will be sorry to leave the DA Board, but know that with the good governance in place it will continue to go from strength to strength. I wish DA every success in the future and look forward to attending future events with my Citizen Advocacy partner.
Here are some of John’s best photographs during his time with us!
