Dear Members of Cardiff Third Sector Council,
I am writing to introduce myself to you, and to say how much I am looking forward to taking on the role of Chair of C3SC.
When I joined the C3SC trustee board back in May, I was looking forward to helping the organisation, but was then only dimly aware that the role of Chair was vacant. I am, however, delighted that the Board felt able to agree the interview panel’s positive recommendation following my recent application.
I have worked in Cardiff since 1985, and although much of my career has been in the public services (Cardiff Council, Cardiff Health Board and NHS Wales), I have long been a fan of the amazing talent and enterprise in evidence throughout the city’s voluntary organisations and communities. I was proud to be a trustee of Hijinx Theatre from 1993 to 2006, and in awe of the third sector’s great track record on awesome leadership in diversity and inclusion.
I would like to thank all the committed trustees and loyal, capable employees who have made C3SC such an effective force, empowering and representing third sector groups. We have a talented board and a great staff team, and we plan to do our best in continuing to support you in ‘interesting times’.
We will listen carefully and act robustly to ensure that the unique strengths inherent in the voluntary sector are widely understood by our public sector partners, our challenges recognised, and collaboration opportunities fully explored.
No-one will know more that you that the past few years have been tough, and there is little sign of the financial position improving any time soon. But challenging times can be times of opportunity. At the very least, we can aim to be the best that we can be, resilient and strong to face whatever comes our way. But by continuing to work together, pooling our expertise and resources, we can perhaps arise resurgent, uniquely capable of adding value to public services that public bodies are struggling to deliver, some ten years into austerity.
I know that I can speak on behalf of the trustees of C3SC in saying that we want to strive to be a beacon of excellence, honouring your commitment and the commitment of our employees and volunteers.
We want to be responsive and accountable to you. Please step forward in giving us your ideas, your feedback and suggestions. Although we look forward to meeting you at the C3SC Annual Meeting in November, we are there for you all year round, so please keep in touch! And please let us know about work that you would like us to observe, and campaigns you want us to support.
With best wishes,
Paul Keeping
Chair Designate, C3SC
Mobile: 07970 107690
Email: [email protected]