Page last updated: Monday 3 November, 2008 1:45 PM

 

Is this the mother of all mergers?...

 

It has been announced that RNIB and Action for Blind People will join forces - What is this likely to mean for people with a sight loss? Obviously, this 'Super Charity' is saying the agreement will bring benefits through 'improved and joined-up services' - what do you think?

Well...perhaps it was simply a matter of time before something like this happened. For years there's been duplication (at the very least) of many services provided by the charities - resource kitchens, equipment, residential services and more - this does seem on the face of it to be a sensible move. However, as with any merger, the devil's in the detail and this will no doubt surface over the coming months. We would ask, why now? We're sure this hasn't suddenly come about because of 'the credit crunch' we'd guess it has been talked about for some time. The RNIB are not in finacial difficulty and as far as we know, nor are AfB. On the face of it, there doesn't seem a lot of diffrence in the 'corporate portfolio' of either charity - information, support and advice - so what will be gained?

Apparently, AfB will become an 'associate charity' to the RNIB so who will call the shots? Interestingly, AfB claim to be 'dynamic and have a reputation for talking less and doing more' - novel, but does this fit with the ethos of the RNIB?

In addition, they state on their website that they (AfB) are 'Driven by the needs of visually impaired people, we deliver what people say they need, not just what we think they need' - No one will argue with that but, do they know that Mr Carey at the RNIB doesn't think the same? How many others are in agreement?

Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of RNIB has claimed that they and AfB have come up with 'innovative ways of working' - we wonder what these are exactly, especially as it was less than six months ago when she asked a group attending a strategy meeting ' what do blind and partially sighted people want?' Are services suddenly going to be revolutionised? Have we all been missing the obvious all these years?

There may well be casualties amoung staff at both organsations - hard to avoid when these steps are taken but perhaps it's an opportunity to invite some fresh talent onto the board of RNIB - now that would be innovative!

Let's hope LAA is right and services to people with a sight loss will improve - its about time!

You can read the press release article in full - click here

What are your thoughts? - e-mail info@rehabworker.co.uk