Society were delighted to partner with Bede House to appoint a new Chair and four new Trustees

Bede House (Bede) has been transforming lives in Southwark since 1938. Working from the original House and a purpose-built community centre next to Southwark Park, Bede offers a wide range of support to local residents to live flourishing lives. It is one of the leading providers in the borough of person-centred, community-based support for people with learning disabilities, and of trauma-informed, holistic support for survivors of domestic abuse.

Jerry Flechais was successfully appointed as the next Chair of Bede House. Jerry brings a wealth of experience in professional safety and risk management professional and an experienced consultant, coach and auditor, he was able to demonstrate and articulate the challenges that may be on the horizon, for Bede House. Jerry also brings charity trustee and committee Chair experience. 

Society identified and approached individuals from clinical governance organisations, local authorities, boards, large charities and commercial partnership organisations, as well as learning disability organisations and domestic abuse strategic and community focused organisations.

Jerry demonstrated energy, enthusiasm and a really good grasp of the challenges Bede is facing. 

Jerry was delighted at being appointed Chair of Bede House and shared “with the current growth in urbanisation, supporting our inner-city communities and the most vulnerable amongst them is crucial and Bede House leads the way in Southwark, London. I am honoured that the Board of Bede House chose me to succeed their outgoing chair, and I look forward to building on her excellent work with the association. This was my first time working with Society and I can’t commend them highly enough - professional, efficient, knowledgeable and supportive from initial contact to post-appointment.”

Society also supported Bede House to appoint four new Trustees to their Board. Each new appointment brings along expertise and skills to support Bede House in the next stage of their journey. 

Simone shared “This is a great opportunity for me as I have worked within domestic abuse for most of my career and am excited to be part of another great charity helping survives of domestic abuse and vulnerable people. I have Usma from Society to thank for reaching out to me about this opportunity. She was a great support during the recruitment process.”

Diana was excited to hear her skills and contributions had been recognised, for a Trustee role at Bede House “For many years I was a social worker working with adults with learning disabilities and in my last Local Authority role, was involved with the Bede center.  I was always so impressed with the ethos and energy of the Bede and how Clients were always at the forefront of all activities and decisions made.  I am really pleased to become involved as a Trustee and be able to give something back to such a busy and person-centred community organisation. I am also really grateful to Society for all the support and advice they gave me throughout the application process.  I had several conversations with Society staff who were always so encouraging to me about my application, and were full of good advice.  I felt very supported in my application process and beyond, and am very thankful for their enthusiasm and wisdom.”

Charlotte stated “I’m excited to join Bede House because of its commitment to community engagement and social support services. The organisations impactful work in improving the lives of individuals and families resonates with my values. Working with society for this role was a seamless experience; their professionalism and commitment to finding the right fit made the entire process efficient and rewarding”

Society were delighted to also secure Eleanor Rowland, who currently works at Fulham Football Club, as Director of Safeguarding and Inclusion, as Trustee for Bede House. Eleanor shared “I’m delighted to join Bede House as a Trustee and to bring with me my safeguarding experience and knowledge. I am looking forward to understanding more about the work Bede do with people affected by domestic violence, people with learning disabilities and the youth and community programmes. It is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a charity with such a positive outlook and has huge impact on the local community.

Society were instrumental to my success in this process, providing me with invaluable support and guidance on each of the stages. It was a flawless experience.” 

The four Trustees and new Chair appointed all have different expertise to bring to the table. Society would like to wish Jerry all the best in his role as Chair. We would also like to share our best wishes with Charlotte, Diana, Eleanor and Simone, in their role as Trustees of Bede House.