April marked four years since my appointment to the Chief Executive role at Warwickshire Vision Support and I think it’s a good time to reflect on how far we’ve come as a charity, and on what this journey has taught me personally.
WVS has been part of people’s lives for over a century, and stepping into this role felt like a real privilege.
Two hats to wear
My background had been in local government and the private sector, so I came with a sense of structure and clarity (and a slightly romantic idea of what the charity sector would be like). What I discovered early on is that this role requires wearing two very different hats at once.
One constantly looks ahead, making responsible decisions about the future and direction of the charity, whilst the other deals with the very real pressures of the everyday support our service users need.
Most days involve both, and I’ve learnt to work with that balance.
I’ve also come to understand what success genuinely looks like in this space.
It does not always show up neatly in a report or a set of figures – although measuring and communicating impact remain essential.
More often, success is something quieter, like someone feeling a little more confident leaving their home, or a conversation that makes a difficult day feel more manageable.
All of this matters enormously, even when it’s not easy to capture.
Progress and change
Since I’ve joined WVS, there’s been some real and meaningful progress made as an organisation.
We were delighted to be awarded the contract to provide rehabilitation services on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.
We consistently deliver support and response times that are amongst the best in the country.
We’ve strengthened our Eye Clinic Liaison Team and continued to grow the number of Vision Support Centres, Clubs and other services across the county.
One of the most significant achievements has been the refurbishment of our head office in Market Place in Warwick. Following a major works project, we now have a welcoming and modern space. This includes a dedicated function room and a fully functional Training Kitchen. We’re already hosting a new support centre and social sessions, which have made a real difference.
We’ve opened our doors to other charities and groups so the whole community can take advantage of this wonderful new space.
We’ve refreshed our identity too, with a rebrand, a new website and a redesign of our social media presence. This now better reflects who we are today and how we want to connect with communities across Warwickshire.
A genuine team effort
None of what has been achieved during this time has been down to one person.
It comes down to everyone within the organisation – the staff who show up every day and give their best, the volunteers who offer their time and kindness and the trustees who provide guidance and perspective.
“I have met some of the most focused and dedicated people I have ever worked with.”
People who give more than you would reasonably expect, often without recognition, because they genuinely care.
This has stayed with me.
The future
Looking ahead, our Trustees are now shaping a vision for 2030 and setting our direction for the next four years.
The focus is straightforward in principle – keeping the organisation strong, sustainable and being clear on where we can make the biggest difference.
Our main aim is to ensure people across Warwickshire know that support is there if they need it.
Everyone working in the sector knows it’s a very challenging time for all charities. The reality is that behind every service, every conversation and every decision, real people rely on us.
A lot has been accomplished, but there’s still much more to be done, and I look forward to it!
Keith