Advisory Board supports CatholicCare

Determined to ensure CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning was fulfilling its vision for ‘inclusive, just and strong communities’, a decision was made by Bishop Bill Wright in 2014 to appoint an Advisory Board.

CatholicCare continues to thrive with guidance from the Board of ten independent people providing non-binding strategic advice to support the organisation’s growth.

Chair of the Board and electrical engineer, Greg Skinner, has 15 years of management experience. He has long enjoyed volunteering at his children’s sporting events and playing an active role in the community. When the opportunity to belong to an Advisory Board committed to assisting the vulnerable presented itself, he was eager to take on the challenge.

“I’ve never worked in social services but I have a passion for ensuring people are well supported. That may mean the vulnerable in our community having access to services that can assist them live fuller lives or by supporting staff, ensuring they have access to quality resources, policies and procedures that enable them to be effective. In this way, I feel my experience has been valuable to CatholicCare and is well complemented by other members who bring their own strengths and experience in areas such as law, accounting, social services and education,” Greg said.

When asked the purpose of an Advisory Board, CatholicCare’s Director Gary Christensen said, “Advisory Boards are generally created to focus on the big picture – strategic issues, industry and market trends. I’ve been very grateful to our Advisory Board which has provided fresh insights on issues in the out of home care and disabilities sectors in particular. It’s also played a pivotal role in developing our 2017-2020 Strategic Plan, often adopting the role of devil’s advocate and supplying high quality, objective advice.”

Greg’s enjoys the Chair’s responsibilities. “I’ve been buoyed by CatholicCare’s commitment to the community and providing quality services in line with local needs. The opening of the Taree Community Kitchen, Gloucester, Singleton and Muswellbrook offices and  purpose-built Supported Accommodation for people with disability have been highlights for me, as we are ensuring greater community access to essential social services.”

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Lizzie Watkin Image
Lizzie Watkin

Lizzie is Team Leader Content for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.