The management of RNIB Scotland has been taken over by Action for Blind People, despite criticism
A restructuring of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in Scotland, which sees the management of the charity taken over by Action for Blind People, has come into effect as of today (Tuesday, 1 September).
The move, which has been heavily criticised by RNIB Scotland staff and members – some of whom mounted a campaign to stop it going ahead – was confirmed to Third Force News by RNIB's London office.
Those against the transfer claim the restructure will lead to a loss of identity for the charity and diminish the influence it has in Scotland.
Of particular concern is that Action for Blind People, which is a sister charity of RNIB, is based in London and has no previous experience of working in Scotland.
RNIB Scotland chairwoman Sandra Wilson says its members were not consulted on the restructure and that the timing is wrong.
Much of what affects the lives of blind and partially sighted people and indeed the lives of everybody living in Scotland has been devolved to Scotland, so it’s not a time for centralised services
“Much of what affects the lives of blind and partially sighted people and indeed the lives of everybody living in Scotland has been devolved to Scotland, so it’s not a time for centralised services,” she said.
“It just doesn’t fit with what’s happening at this time with the emphasis on people making decisions in their local area. Nobody is against change. We live in a world that’s changing all the time. But we do feel in Scotland that this particular change is not in the best interests of Scotland as a devolved country.
“Action for Blind People is not known in Scotland and RNIB Scotland is a very tried and tested brand. And while we’re told our brand will remain, we’ll just have to see what the future brings.
"RNIB [London office] says this is just an administrative change. But I think what members feel is that it’s the biggest organisational change since RNIB Scotland was set up. And they feel that really they should have had a voice."
RNIB Scotland has arranged a meeting on 21 September for those concerned about the move to discuss their concerns.
RNIB chief executive Lesley Anne-Alexander, however, described the move as “essentially a formalisation of a management structure which has already been in place for over a year”.
She said those using RNIB Scotland’s services would notice no difference as they will receive exactly the same service, from the same team, based in the same location, as they did before 1 September.
“By bringing together senior managers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Isle of Man, Cymru and England, we’ll be able to ensure consistency in the service we offer to all blind and partially sighted people, wherever they are in the UK,” she said.
“We’ll be able to offer more services to more people, avoid duplication and waste and make the most of our expertise and resources.
“The number of people affected by sight loss in the UK is predicted to double to around four million by 2050. As a UK charity with finite resource, RNIB has a responsibility to share the expertise and resource we have available to us for the benefit of people with sight loss throughout the UK.
"We’re confident these changes will allow us to do that without compromising the fantastic services and campaigning work which takes place in Scotland, or anywhere else in the UK.”
