REAL CONTRACT VALUE

In any job you have good days and bad days and then occasionally, you get one of those days when you realise the real value of what you are doing.

I was lucky enough to have such an experience, rather unexpectedly, at an AGM -  not normally the most riveting of experiences - which tend to be rather dry, formal affairs where accountants seek to enthral with last year’s numbers. However, Carr Gomm’s AGM was very different.

My attendance came about because over the last two years Orchard and Shipman have had the good fortune to be working in partnership with Carr Gomm, a charitable organisation who work with people with mental and physical support needs enabling them to live independently in the community. 

The partnership recently resulted in the award of a contract in the Scottish Borders to deliver what is known as a Core and Cluster model of housing and support.  In short, this means that Orchard and Shipman provide much needed accommodation from the private rented market and Carr Gomm deliver personalised support to help people move into and sustain their tenancies.

The majority of us take independent living for granted, but for those who need additional support, it can be a difficult, challenging and often painful process.  People need time, patience, respect, understanding and most of all, a safe, caring environment in which they can be themselves. It was evident from the AGM that a commitment to this approach was integral to the culture of the organisation. 

The normal formalities of an AGM were of course observed but whilst the numbers, successes and challenges were discussed, the presentations were delivered with delicious brevity whilst being informative, honest, funny and provocative. 

The most  striking aspect of Carr Gomm’s AGM was the fact that their clients were at the heart of the event with staff, stakeholders and politicians rightly playing a supporting role throughout.  This resulted in a day which was people focused, impressively integrated and commendably transparent as well as entertaining, funny and poignant. 

The day ended with an Open Floor  session which provided impromptu poetry, song, laughter and applause and for the first time in a long time I was  reminded that I love my job. It’s not often I get the chance to see first hand the background work crystallising into something so meaningful.

So, whilst it is always great to win a contract, seeing what it means to those whose lives have been, and continue to be transformed brought the most value.