Wednesday August 30th 2023
From left to right: Kate Flory (Vice Chair), Sylvia Archibald, Philip Coghill (Chair), Lynn Penman
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
This month an East and Midlothian Charity supporting individuals with learning, physical and mental health disabilities, said a fond farewell and a warm welcome to not one, but five board members.
Unlike typical voluntary trustee positions, two of ELCAP’s exiting board members are also current users of its services. Sylvia Archibald and Lynn Penman have played an important role over the past years, sharing the voices of other ELCAP’s users by being the representatives of the Advisory Council. Up until recently they were supported by ARC Scotland, helping them to understand the process of the board and to capture their thoughts and questions ahead of board meetings.
Sylvia commented, “I’ve learnt a lot about ELCAP by being on the board. I am going to miss it, but it’s time for someone else to take my place.” Both Sylvia and Lynn will continue to take a key role on ELCAP’s user committee and will be invited to return to an annual board meeting with findings and requests from the wider communities to consider.
The 23rd of August also marked the end of office for Catriona Millar, having served on the board for the past eight years. She not only contributed her legal acumen, but her loyal trust and support of ELCAP.
ELCAP have been fortunate to formally appoint two new trustees to the board, Ciara McGovern MD of the HR Department and Sally Egan, recently retired from the NHS as a Child Health Commissioner. Between them they will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, along with their enthusiasm to support ELCAP in its endeavours to support its users to live as an independent life as possible.
Philip Coghill, ELCAP’s Chair remarked, “we’ve been lucky to attract such a strong caliber of trustee to our board, both Ciara and Sally reflect ELCAP’s values of care, kindness, communication and adaptability. Both have been highly recommended and we look forward to working closely with them.”
Like many charitable boards, finding and retaining quality and voluntary trustees can be a challenge. ELCAP over the years with its strong community presence in and around East and Midlothian have managed to attract local trustees with a personal or a business link to it’s services.
“We’re still looking” says Philip Coghill, “for someone to join us with marketing experience. Keeping digitally agile is something ELCAP are keen to pursue. So if you are interested in joining us, then we’d love to hear from you.”
In the meantime, ELCAP thanked it’s departing trustees with flowers and buffet lunch and welcomed it’s incoming trustees with heartfelt thanks.
You can find out ore about the ELCAP charity at elcap.org
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