Blog: ‘Aberlour’s ultimate ambition is that, one day, it won’t be needed’

One of the best, most important things, about Aberlour is not just the work it does itself but the work it does in partnership.

Immediately after I was appointed to Chair the Independent Care Review, SallyAnn Kelly OBE, the charity’s chief executive, was in touch to ask how it could help? It was right there from day one, an amazing partner offering support, to ensure children and families could take part and tell their stories.

It is a fantastic collaborator and understands that, even if it can do something successfully on its own, it is better to bring others in, to share knowledge and improve practice.

Competition for funding can sometimes make organisations protective about what they do, and reluctant to share with others but Aberlour is thoughtful and generous, always putting what is best for children first.

It listens to children and families and puts them at the heart of decision-making which is exactly what is required to #KeepThePromise. 

Its ultimate ambition is that one day, children and families will not be in crisis so will not need its support. The choice between families thriving and your organisation thriving sounds like an easy one, but it takes courage to say so explicitly.

That attitude is why Aberlour is a trailblazer, unafraid to do the right thing for Scotland’s children and families and bold in how it does it. It is the definition of leadership.

It is five years since the Independent Care Review concluded and The Promise was made. Ever since Aberlour has been determined to do all it can to ensure it is kept. There is still a long way to go and we need leadership, bravery, and collaboration more than ever.

We need organisations like Aberlour.

Fiona Duncan
Independent strategic advisor, The Promise

This article was written as part of the 'We are family' special edition supplement with the Sunday Post.