Charity Begins At Home?

I recently filled a couple of bags of old clothes and donated to a national charity (won’t name it but it’s very well known) which has a chain of shops across the city of Derby and the rest of the country. It’s a good feeling knowing that someone will benefit from recycled clothes even though my sense fashion is critiqued by my peers! Later that day I was watching the news on the tv and caught a discussion part way through about how our taxes are not split evenly across the UK, with many complaining of higher levels of government expenditure in London and the South East part of England. This got me thinking…….

National charities work in a similar way. Across the country they receive donations and clothes for recycling from individuals like you and I. Many of these shops are run by volunteers and usually 1 or 2 paid staff. I looked into the financial turnover of 2 charities which operate to the model above, one working with older people and one with disabled people with a very specific impairment. Both had income exceeding £35m a year. Now I’ve been working in the local voluntary sector for over 20 years and I’m quite confident in saying that very little money is handed down to the local branches of the said 2 charities to run free services to that particular group of people. Seems very familiar indeed!

It’s also quite concerning to note that these local branches are often expected to raise their own income and then give a portion to head office (often in London!) and such groups then look towards local authorities for grant funding – and they get it too! This is the bit where I’ll declare an interest. As CEO of a local charity, we are often ‘competing’ for funding with groups who have national affiliation to a head office which chooses to distribute finances elsewhere.

Recently here in Derby, a large train-making company lost a contract to a German counterpart. Nationally, there was an uproar that preference should be given to UK based companies. I don’t know about you but I think the same concept applies at a local level for locally based not-for-profit groups bidding for local contracts/grants.

Local authorities, CCG’s and even grant making trusts need to think very seriously about their procurement, commissioning or grant-making processes which can often irreversibly damage the ability of local groups to develop into something special and unique in meeting local need.

The next time you donate your clothes or perhaps even cash, ask the charity shop manager how much of the income they raise is spent on people locally. I think we know the answer will be quite vague.

Agree with Amo?  Don’t Agree With Amo?  Get a life Amo?

Amo Raju – CEO Disability Direct

PA's? - Who Cares?

Over the last 20 years I've discussed all types of issues affecting disabled people yet very rarely talked about Personal Assistants (PA's). The other day I was delivering a session on the social model to a room full PA's in Derby. It's no surprise that they actually understood the model but what became very clear by the end of the session was the need for peer support.

As have many other user-led organisations, we have been supporting disabled people through Direct Payment Support Service contracts over the last decade or so. In each region, the majority of these contracts came to an end a couple of years ago as was the case here in Derby. Along with my peers across the country, one of our fears was that without the correct guidance, some direct payment users may be unknowingly breaking basic employment law or developing almost destructive working practices. It's important to state that often disabled people are in the role of 'Employer' without any training and are just as liable in staff management as the boss who has the luxury of a HR Manager as and when needed. Don't get me wrong, I'm 100% behind this option as opposed to sole reliance on care agencies....but just feel there is now a gap in support to disabled people & PA's which I've been told has led to an increase in cases at employment tribunals.

There are of course less social workers than before too which combined with he 'lighter touch' monitoring requirements means that there is very little evidence gathering of the local picture in the employment and equally important, retention of PA's. In fact I'd be very interested to know (percentage wise) how many people using direct payments/personal budgets actually know who their social workers are!

At this session which i talked about earlier, there were some PA's who seemed on the verge of tears due to poor treatment by the boss. Nearly all stated that there was not the framework or mechanism to raise grievances, unions didn't seem interested - neither did the local authority. 'A single point of call for advice would be brilliant' said one. By the end of the session I offered to support them in setting up their own peer support group - within seconds nearly all agreed to sign-up!

As the current social care system is failing a good portion of disabled and older people, it needs to be recognised that it is leading to a very dissatisfied social care workforce too which will only cause problems in the longer-term. I urge other Disabled Peoples Organisations to help create PA support networks too - let's be honest, no one else is going to do it and in the bigger picture it's in our own interests!

Agree?                     Disagree?                   Who Cares?

If you have any thoughts or comments, lease feel free to get in touch ;

amo.raju@disabilitysyndicate.com

Extra Costs Commission

Do you find being a disabled person is an expensive business?

With prices for everyday living at an all time high, less available liquid cash and disability benefits on the DWP 'chopping board', disabled people are being asked to do more with less money. Some of you will agree that the reality is this has been the case for many, many years. Yet, this time it seems to be tougher than before, with the pundits predicting more gloom when the bank interest rates begin to rise.

The really sad thing is that elements within society almost seems to be too comfortable with the generalised labelling of disabled people as 'benefits scroungers'. It doesn't help when some of the media decide to run headlines which steer the ill-informed (excuse the pun).

Nevertheless, I'd like to praise the national charity 'Scope' for taking the initiative at such a difficult time for disabled people by putting together a commission which will look into the frighteningly high cost of living for disabled people. I'm even more pleased to be one of the nine commissioners who will look into the subject matter and thus keen to hear from you with your thoughts and perhaps personal experiences. You can of course let Scope know directly via the following link ;

http://www.scope.org.uk/campaigns/extra-costs-commission/personal-story

Or, feel free to email me ; amo.raju@disabilitysyndicate.com

I'll keep you in the loop about the work of the commission. In the meantime, don't forget to follow me on twitter - @syndicateCEO

Amo Raju
Chief Exec.

Comedy Sketch Show - "I'm Spazticus"

Have you been following the Channel 4 series of "I'm Spazticus"?

If you haven't then I'm sure you'll be able to download it on you-tube sooner or later. There has been some activity on Facebook & Twitter stating that it is either offensive or it's pure genius. For the benefit of those who haven't seen the programme, it's basically a sketch show with disabled actors/comedians taking impairments and disability as a whole and then gag after gag after gag! As usual, I'm not about to sit on the fence on this one - Yes, you're right...... I Love it!

There are those of you who may/will feel uncomfortable watching the show as you feel it allows the audience to laugh at disabled people. However, there are many counter-arguments to this point of view. Here's a couple to get the debate started.......

Firstly, I don't believe for one minute that people are laughing at disabled people.....each joke, each punchline, each sketch seemed to highlight society's reaction towards disabled people - "bring on the social model!!!" Secondly, we as disabled people seem to have finally come to terms with a fact made by the veteran comedian, Lenny Henry, a couple of decades ago......a person has no right to laugh at others until they have laughed at themselves! My personal opinion is that it is a sign of progress when such a show is on the air and already seems to have many fans.

If for whatever reason you are offended by the programme, then I don't really have any advice for you but to log-on to t'internet and book an aeroplane ticket back to the 20th century.

More programmes like "I'm Spazticus" please, as they very simply prove in the most light-hearted way possible -  Disability isn't funny, it's societies' stupidities that are now the joke!


Agree?         Don't Agree?         Amo is a joke?

Amo Raju
CEO - The Disability Syndicate

Please Let Us Tick A Box For You!

Has your funder asked you to work with a User Led Organisation? Has central government given you targets which include consulting the views of disabled people? Has your boss asked you to go talk to "that disability place"?....If so, please use us -  Seriously! We only set our organisations up for your cause!

Across the country I'm constantly reminded that DPULO's and CIL's are pulled in many directions by statutory, commercial and peer voluntary agencies too. However, as CEO of two CIL's and having been asked to sit on numerous committees, steering groups, consultation panels (call them what you may), I believe it is time to review the purpose of such requests.

Are we asked for our input because our views are so valuable? The cynic in me says No! 

If you are asked of such requests, just for a moment, cast your mind back to the last or perhaps current committee where your presence was felt necessary....Was your involvement as a Disabled Peoples Representative truly acknowledged? Were your views actually discussed? Not only did they accept your thoughts on the subject matter but did they implement them into a plan? Are simple matters deferred to the next meeting then the meeting after that?....Or my favourite :- Was a plan tabled, you and your organisation disagreed and commented on it but then it was nevertheless rubber stamped by the powers that be? Oh yes, I think so!

Some of you may be paid members of staff, some will be volunteers. However regardless of your status within your ULO, your time and experience is invaluable and more importantly, irreplaceable. Remember, they need you more than you think you need them.

My advice is to set a time table, log your thoughts on a separate document, measure whether there has been adequate progress on the subject matter and feel free to leave when it becomes naturally clear that your input has merely ticked a box!!

Agree?       Don't Agree?        Like ticking boxes?

Amo Raju

The Best Time for Personal Budgets?

Time to open a can of worms……..

Ask a local authority official and you’ll most likely be told that the number of PB’s awarded rises year on year. Technically they’re right too. However, are budgets being used “creatively”? I say creatively as this is the word used by “professionals” in the authorities who want to see support plans which literally knock their socks off! For example, in a time of recession and mass unemployment amongst non-disabled youths, Support Planners are told they need to include employment/training opportunities for disabled people!

Those who have known me for a while will recall my prediction around 10 years ago when I said that staff at Disability Direct will be doing the job of Social Workers in the future. Support Planning and PB support services are a typical example of this. This approach was well received by social workers who could see we were helping them with their heavy workloads. But then came…..Council cuts.

Less Care Managers and even bigger workloads.  It’s been reported across the country and certainly in the East Midlands that staff in local authorities prefer to refer & keep the “case” internally. Work it out….why would staff behave in this way? I think you know the reason.

Additionally, is the service provider “market” ready to meet the “new” spending needs of PB holders? Again there will be two schools of thought on this issue. As CEO of a user-led group, I’m regularly told by users “it’s the same old money under a new name, spent on the same old services”. How true too!

 Some think tank in a smokey room came up with a great idea…. “Let’s support the creation of micro-providers who will add more variety to the social care market”. Great idea. As I’m typing this I can’t stop giggling….hence here I must say LOL (how cool and hip am I hey?). I giggled because as the government pumped money into stimulating micro-markets, it drastically reduced the services of Business Link Advisors. Again, you’re not daft, you can work out where Im heading here.

 Let me hark back to another prediction I made 2 years ago. Brokerage Services!….. “There’s going to be a need for brokers/support planners” they cried across the country. Suddenly, every man and his aunty set up to be a “Broker”……. I predicted that 75% of these brokers will be broke within a couple of years. Now don’t deny me… CEO in “Smug Mode”. If there’s no referrals then there will be no brokers!

 Now you’re asking….Oh knowledgeable smug one….What’s the answer to the above? The truth is… I don’t have an answer but I do have a thought as follows :

 The current plan is not working…..let’s be big enough to admit it and rewind not necessarily to the beginning but to a point where we can achieve realistic and meaningful outcomes …not for social workers, not for senior practitioners, not for ULO’s but for disabled people who battled for years to get a Personal Budget.

 I think It’s time for politicians, the local authority and ULO’s to sit around the table and smoke cigars again.

Agree?             Don’t Agree?                  CEO too smug?

Amo

Wake-Up Bosses!!!

Apologies, I've not paid you much attention recently. Staff and some of you too advised that my blogs were missed....so no excuses...i've slapped my wrist.

Let the ranting re-commence.......................

Over the last month or so, I've been made aware of at least 3 organisations (obviously won't be saying who they are - as one of them were reported by their own staff!) where the hierarchy love & praise the work of The Disability Syndicate but their staff clearly demonstrate a contradictory approach. This poses a question or two, possibly three.....Do senior management receive a true report of what goes on at the front-line? Do front-line staff  feel comfortable (maybe too comfortable) with choosing who they wish to work with? Or more seriously...is negativity towards another organisation a direct order from above?

This is where you'll be asking me "Amo, do you know what your staff are doing on the front-line?" Here, I can confidently say "pretty much so!". It's my job not only to make sure the pennies roll in but to keep in contact with my peers, my staff and more importantly the service users. I make it my job to talk to everyone and receive constant updates about "what's the word on the street?".

Back to that third question : I think we'll both agree on this.... As CEO if I say that staff will not be working with another organisation, then it's quite likely staff will comply with my request. If I was to do such a thing I think you as the community, the funder of The Disability Syndicate will be demanding my head on a stick at the front door...and quite rightly so.

As usual, by now you're saying..."get to the point Amo!".

My point : if you're the the gaffa of your organisation and you want to work with us....make sure your desire is  conveyed to the staff. If you're gaffa and don't want to work with us, be polite and let me know and i'll make sure staff here only continue to work with like-minded peer groups. If you can't control your staff....WE WILL..

Love & Kisses...
Amo
CEO

Back & To The Future

Hi,

Many thanks to those of you who sent your best wishes over the last few months. I'm pleased to report I'm back at work and fully charged, ready for action.

What's on the agenda?

1. Modernisation of day service activity for New Horizons
2. Personal Budgets Support Service & DD's role in Self-Directed Support
3. New premises forEnabled Art, New Horizons and Disability Direct
4. Stronger Infrastructure support within the Disability Syndicate

The list ever-growing and so it should be too!

I'm tweeting now....follow me "@SyndicateCEO"

See you soon!

Amo

"Success-Full"

Hi there...your freindly neighbourhood CEO is going offline until early January to re-charge batteries. However, until then I thought I'd share something with you that is beginning to be regularly mentioned/discussed in the local 3rd sector....... "Disability Direct is very successful as a local group with lots of self-generated income - should commissioners buy services from them or let new groups have a bite of the pie?"

It's no secret that DD & The Disability Syndicate has ambitions to expand into as many services benefitting the sector and disabled people as possible. Yet, those facing the difficult decision of commissioning will know that DD has worked hard for it's current success - (at the recomendation of funders who "on paper" praise groups who do all they can to raise their own income). Part of the thought process they have will probably include something like this...."well if we don't fund DD, they have plenty of other income streams or we need to give other groups a chance...and so on.....

Yes, we are successful, but we are not "full"...we have lots of ideas and lots more to do!!!

Funders/Commissioners must not fall into the trap set by peer agencies plagued by what some have described as "professional jealousy". Let me give you yet another scenario which a like-minded individual shared with me today...."If you have seen the perfect jumper and it's only sold at Marks & Spencer for £30, you buy it and you enjoy wearing it....you don't look at it and say "actually i refuse to buy it because Marks & Spencers made £100m profit last year".... think about it...Mr. Raju has a point!!!

Anyway, just thought I'd have my final rant of the year!

Seasons Greetings to you all

Agree?.....Not Agree?    Don't like Marks & Spencers?

Amo

The "Special Relationship"

We've all heard of or read about the "special relationship" Great Britain enjoys with the USA. Yet if you cross the big pond and speak to Americans, they simply describe it as a relationship and not particularly special unless they need an alibi. Now then, you're thinking......"and where are you going with this Mr Raju?"

For many years we have enjoyed what we thought was a "special" relationship with a key partner and stakeholder. Recent changes and pressures within this agency have led to changes in personnel and internal stresses. We are now feeling the somewhat shocking after effects of changes in an entirely different organisation and are adjusting to new almost unchartered areas in working relationships. However, DD is strong, vibrant, energetic and in no way displaced by external action or inaction as will prove to be the case.

A lesson to be learnt by all other ULO's/ CILs and in fact any group - Do not get too close to other groups, their kick hurts more than a kick from your peers.

Amo

AGM 2011

Friday 29th July 2011 - An absolutely fantastic Annual General Meeting with strong representation from service users from Enabled Art, DD Derby,  DD Payroll Services, New Horizons, DD Nottingham and not forgetting The Stuffed Guru Youth Forum.

At a time when the buzz term is "user-led", what better way of demonstrating & confirming our approach as the biggest ULO in the country? With very positive questions and comments from members, the trustees and I were enthused with confidence for the year ahead. The guest speaker could not have been more appropriate too!. David Kelly from Social Enterprise East Midlands continually highlighted the trading divisions of The Disability Syndicate as prime examples of how & why charities can and should make money to be invested back into services.

Naturally, staff played a key role in the event too as all were on hand to ensure the evening was enjoyed by all.

A big thank you from your humble CEO folks! Here's to next year's AGM!!!!!!

Amo

Service v Budget

It truly is hard work being the biggest local ULO in the country and growth only adds to the workload. While staff are extremely busy delivering this year's service delivery plan, they look at me with a suspicious eye - "What's he up to now? Is he going to add another project upon our already heavy shoulders?" The answer is usually, Yes!

We have some great staff who are keen to help DD grow and one or two are even turning into "Mini-Me's" with budgets and efficiency always at the forefront of service, not sure if that is a good thing or bad? Although it does lead to an important question - do staff solely concentrate on delivering a service or do they keep Mr Pound Sterling in mind? Ok, here I go again, time to be contraversial........

Historically, many people joined the voluntary/3rd/not-for-profit sector out of a strong desire to support their communities or just to serve the people. Yet today our workforce consists of staff who previously worked across all sectors and all bring with them experience and ideas of how services should be run. I myself have worked for all three sctors too which has quite possibly led to the strengths of DD today. How? Whilst working in local government the need for a strong set of policy and plans was important. In retail, I became hungry to make the boss more money! And good old DD got me in touch with people and their needs.

Today, the survival of our sector depends on more staff with all of the above. I've said it before and i'll say it again and again - the days of government handouts are gone. Mr Cameron may have publically declared The Big Society as his idea, yet I'm sure all 3 parties will be singing from similar hymn sheets on that particular subject come next election.

CEO's can sit behind desks and talk business all day but it is the front-line staff who need to be the true wheeler dealers as they have to "stretch" the budget as far as they can to ensure Jo Bloggs gets the service they asked for. Our sector needs more people with vision and entrepreneurship and I urge people from the other 2 sectors to consider careers with us. If you don't have the skills, volunteer! Trust me, the gaffa will be watching to see what you can add to the organisation.

Agree?        Don't Agree?       Mr Raju has lost the plot?

Slating the "Empire" for being too good!

ULO's/DPO's/CIL's (whatever you want to call us) are encouraged to be entrepreneurial and raise as much income as we can. I'm all for that!!! Some of us actually get off our full fat backsides and do something about it by creating trading divisions and social enterprises. However, and get ready for this..... once we bring in the income and then look for new business opportunities, comments are made "you're too big to be a local service", "leave some room for smaller groups" and my favourite "you can't be involved - you have a conflict of interest" - Yes we have an interest - an interest in providing support to disabled and older people now, not in 6-12 months time after countless pointless meetings - NOW!

We are probably one of the biggest disability support service in the country and I know success breeds envy across the sector we work in and quite happy to admit we're flattered by the support and praise of the many. It's the "few" that concern me. The few who haven't quite accepted our growing presence in the region and continue to slate a group guilty of nothing else but doing everything it legally can to meet the needs of it's members.

A short message to you narrow minded few... If local authorities want to work with us rather than you, then take a moment to look at why they will not engage with you rather than why they wish to work with us. It's not rocket science - they are not happy with how you operate, govern and provide services (or lack of).

A few blogs ago, I mentioned how some describe The Disability Syndicate as empire builders...yes we will continue to expand our "empire" in the interests of our members but to quote a great philiosopher from a galaxy far far away.."The Empire Strikes Back"!!!!!...and feel free to ask those closest to me who will most probably confirm I'm not as nice as Darth Vader.....mmmwwwooaaahahahah!!!

Amo

Budgeting For YOU!!!

Great news folks!!!!....We very recently won the contract for the provision of a Personal Budgets Support Service in Derby City. Alongside this contract is an opportunity to develop Derby's very first PA Register, something we have been keen to develop for many years.

Once up & running (from April 2011), there will be 4 staff offerring valuable expertise in managing cash budgets for disabled and/or older people in Derby. We are also happy to confirm that we are the busiest voluntary agency in the city in terms of Brokerage services....quite rightly too!!! The Department of Health and larger disability agencies have endorsed the need for User Led Organisations (ULO's) such as Disability Direct to take the lead in the implementation of the Personalisation Agenda in each locality. Don't get me wrong - we should not be awarded contracts for simply being a ULO. We have to prove our worth and continue to bring innovation to the discussion.

We already support over 150 people on a budget and are now really looking forward to getting our teeth into some creative and pioneering support plans! Watch this space!

Some good news for Nottingham coming soon too!!!!!

Success of Chores4You

What a great way to officially launch a new service.....Chores4You!!! Copy and paste the link below into your browser :-

http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/Workers-chores-return-vital-donation/article-3117176-detail/article.html

Amo

In Case You Missed It....The Politics Show BBC1

If you missed our "donation" to the debate on funding for volntary groups on the BBC1 Politics Show recently, please follow or copy/paste the link below :

Amo Raju
CEO

Co-Producing The Do What You Want Directory

I'm absolutley delighted to announce that our new web-based directory listing activities & services available for disabled & older people is live and has already enjoyed over 1,600+ hits.

www.dowhatyouwant.org

The directory is our pride and joy and gives detailed information including charges and accessibility. Funded by Derby City Council and Awards For All (lottery), it has been a truly co-produced project involving staff at Disability Direct, Derby City Council, Magic-T Solutions and most importantly service users. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Derby City Council for their committment to "keeping it local". Unfortunately there are authorities across the country who have gone for an "off the shelf or even free directory" which will have no local significance and have thus missed the opportunity to co-produce something remarkable!

I must equally thank Sabrinda, Raichel and Sally at DD for the long hours spent in getting it right and for not listening to my choice of colours or design for the site.

The directory gives people more choice in considering how people may wish to buy services (many of which are free!). I urge you to visit the site and even rate the service you accessed ensuring others are able to get a feel of the service offerred.

Amo

Challenges & Opportunities

Have you missed me? Lol

Well we waited for the spending review and no real surprises there! Individuals and organisations will face cuts and in funding or services directly or indirectly and the question is, what do we do about it? Well there are two possible answers :

1. We whinge, campaign and then when all else fails, we pray.

OR

2. We take stock, tighten belts and make some tough choices which will ensure we survive the next 18-24 months. If we charge for services then we will most likely need to increase to at least keep up with the confirmed VAT rise in January 2011. If you don't charge for services then ask yourselves - why not? Those of you who saw my TV interview on the BBC Politics Show will recall my thoughts on partnerships and mergers. For those of you who didn't, I'll recap in a nutshell, join up with like minded groups, share resources, accomodation and expertise which will reduce your overheads, think about the business opportunities for your group within the national/local personalisation agenda. Talk to your business adversaries and be frank about financial difficulties ahead - MOST IMPORTANTLY, leave your egoes in the car park!

Need advice ring me - 01332 404040

Amo

Get Off The Bandwagon!

Guess what? There's a new book released called
"A Beginners Guide to Being An Expert in Independent Living" written by A. Cowboy.

Not really! Although it feels like this book really is in the domain and has a few followers too. We have been working since 1993 to ensure disabled people of all ages, backgrounds, lifestyles and interests live with choice and dignity independently, having taken over 50,000 enquires on all daily issues. However, in recent times a few organisations "out there" have become the self-proclaimed experts in the subject and seem to do nothing but go to meetings all day without any real concrete experience when commenting on our subject matter. Yes I use the word "our". Disabled People and organisations of disabled people have the true insight into barriers, difficulties and the successes of independent living, not those organisations who for the past few years have been more interested in rattling tins or have attended a few "workshops" on community care and now feel confident in representing us!!

Some organisations have even said that they do not consider their members to be "disabled people" but conveniently forward themselves as experts in the field - why? Money!!!!

Now everyone who knows me will confidently say "money is Amo's favourite subject". But Amo will not go and declare The Disability Syndicate as an expert in thermo-nuclear power because to my knowledge we don't employ any scientific experts! Get my point?

My advice to those organisations who want to get to know our subject of expertise, is to come work with us, let us train you, spend some time on our front-line amd most importantly stop rattling our cage!

If you feel this applies to you or your organisation, consider this blog a shot across the bow.

Agree?    Not Agree?   Amo is a grumpy old git?

Feel free to comment....

Amo

The Politics Show

Form an orderley line for autographs please!!!

Hope you had a chance to watch the show on BBC1 a few days ago. If not, the video is at the end of this blog. In all, it was a pretty good interview and a fair portrayal of our views on the state of the voluntary sector and business opportunities. As I was limited for time, some of the issues I would have liked to have added included:

1. The benefits of joining The Disability Syndicate.
2. The narrow mindedness of some boards in partnerships & mergers (see previous blog)
3. Opportunities in making money through sales commissions with Nimbus - The Disability Consultancy Service
4. The option to transfer backroom functions to The Disability Syndicate e.g. finance, HR etc

Anyway, hope you enjoy the video below...by the way, the "Smooth Operator" theme music was not my idea!!!

The interview itself starts at about 37 minutes into the broadcast below