CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

This Annual Report offers me, as Chairman, the chance to reflect on the broad range of activities of the Rehab Group. The diverse nature and geographic spread of these and the vast numbers of people who are beneficiaries are chronicled in this report. Nowhere is the reality of the Group’s impact on the lives of over 43,000 people more evident than in the stories that are told by individuals in their own words within these pages.

This is due in no small part to the excellence of the care provided in the home, the learning experience in the classroom, and the colleague-to colleague support in the employment services. The experience, dedication and commitment of staff, led by Angela Kerins and the Group Management Team, is second to none.

I wish to thank our funders, who continue to recognise the quality work that we do and support us in many ways, including, in Ireland, the Health Service Executive, FÁS, the Departments of Health, Education and Skills, Justice and Equality, Environment, Heritage and Local Government and, in the United Kingdom, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, local authorities, health boards, Primary Care Trusts, and other funding agencies.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to the members of the Rehab Group Board, and to the members of the other Group boards, for giving of their expertise and time in advancing our mission. Particular thanks are due to the Vice-Chairman Barry Keogh, and chairs of the sub-committees of the Board - Liam Hogan (audit), Don Tallon (best practice) and Declan Doyle (remuneration) - for their enormous contributions.

At the time of writing, news has sadly come through of the untimely passing of my Board colleague Colm Allen SC. Colm preceeded me as Chair of the Board, an office he held with great enthusiasm and distinction. His contribution since his appointment to the Group Board in 2002, along with other subsidiary boards, has been immense, and his presence will be sorely missed by colleagues.

The people who access our services each year, and their families, rely on the Group to provide the support that they need in living the life of their choice. The trust they place in us is something we value greatly, and we will continue to work hard to deliver world-class services to support those needs.

Brian Kerr,
Chairman
July 2011

View a PDF version of the Rehab Group Annual Report 2010.