Moving on after Eight Years in the Black Country

Following over eight years as part of the Active Black Country board in a number of different guises I have decided to step down from the Active Black Country board. I felt after that period of time it was time to commit my voluntary time in other directions. 

I think a good time to go as the new Chair, the excellent Deborah Williams, is giving some fantastic ethical Leadership to the board and with the new strategy launched imminently it was time for a new board to drive the next four years.

The Black Country is one of the most deprived areas of the country with minimal green spaces or detached houses and the challenge of the task is vast and we have set in place a number of actions that have made a difference to part of the area but not all. I am proud of the targeted approach to certain communities which led to a specific programme, the focus of skills and also the way we changed the board from a steering squad to a more focused one of regular committed attendees. 

Got to thank the staff and in particular Simon Hall, who is not everyone's "cup of tea" but is totally committed to the partnership and other staff past and present Ian Carey, Simon Fisher, Craig Taylor and Suzi Gardner who all have worked incredibly hard.

I will miss the trips over to Dudley but under Deborah's leadership and the engagement of board members from a range of sectors I am sure Black Country will be more active more often.