Monthly Blog: March
My name is Audrey Simm and it gives me great pleasure to introduce myself as your new Chief Executive Office.
I am a committed volunteer and have been so for over 30 years, fitting this around full-time work, raising a family of two children, husband and dog! My husband, Ian, and I have been married for 34 years, David and Nichola are now grown up and Nichola married on the 8th February 2014 (Still awaiting grandchildren!)
My current role at NHQ is Deputy Brigade Secretary and National Training Officer. Previous to this role I was part of the development team. I currently work part time flexible hours to allow for training to take place at weekends or evenings however, when my new role commences on the 1st April 2014, this will become a full time position. I am confident that with my knowledge, understanding of the Brigade and with the support of Brigade Council, I am ready to take on this new, challenging role.
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I have enjoyed many wonderful opportunities as a volunteer and I am passionate about CLCGB and I want to infect that passion to anyone who will listen. I hope this blog will begin to set the framework on how we are going to develop and grow over the coming years.
I have always been told that there is nothing wrong with ambition as long as you have a realistic plan of how you’re going to fulfil that ambition. By focusing on areas where CLCGB is currently operating, or where numbers are low and by developing our young leaders into leaders of tomorrow, I honestly believe that by 2016 we will increase our membership numbers significantly across the country.
Building on the strong foundations laid by our retiring (for the second time) Brigade Secretary Martin Lambourne, the next three years will start with a detailed plan. The main aims of the plan will be to outline key areas that will provide support with the delivery of CLCGB in our local communities and to help it grow.
Key activities for the next three years will be around a number of challenges which were identified through the on-line survey. Growing CLCGB is one of these targets but not the sole one. As leaders we have a responsibility to deliver exciting and varied programmes, whilst being very mindful of the competition we face with after school clubs and other youth organisations. We want to give a warm welcome to new members and help you, to help them to enjoy their CLCGB adventure.
We need leaders to feel supported by their NHQ, Battalions and Regiments. We want adult and young leaders to access affordable, timely and quality training whilst ensuring that new companies and leaders are supported by experienced teams.
Promoting a positive image of CLCGB is vital. We need to raise our profile within the Church and Diocese. We need to raise our profile within local community through media, schools but also with parents. We need parents to know that CLCGB is a premier youth organisation for boys, girl, young men and women. And that CLCGB should be their first choice when deciding what ‘club’ their children should join.
Critical to any National success is the support, energy and enthusiasm from all leaders and helpers. It is our organisation and while any plan may be ambitious it will also be achievable, let’s work together to turn ambition into reality.
I look forward to sharing our success in developing CLCGB for all our young people. My door is always open and I welcome feedback, questions and queries and most importantly I am here to both listen and do.
Thank you so much for all you do for CLCGB and I hope to meet as many of you as possible over the coming months
With warmest regards,
Audrey Simm
Chief Executive Officer