Chairman's Statement

It has been an interesting first year for me since becoming chair. It has also proved extremely challenging as the organisation has entered its’ most productive and developmental period in its history. I was under no illusions from the very first moment what lay ahead for us in taking forward the aspirations of the board, its staff and member organisations, of ensuring the organisation operated professionally on a platform that would bring about a marked difference for the sector we represent. What has been surprising and unmeasured in my thinking has been the level of austerity measures this Government has inflicted upon us and our sector.

I am proud to report that the unprecedented circumstance we, the BME element of the third sector, finds itself in has been met with durable resolve by my board and staff. Many of you will agree the Lancashire BME Pact has risen to the challenges we have experienced over the previous twelve months, in commendable fashion. With the challenges we have created opportunities for our organisations and member base. As the number of members grows rapidly in turn this has demonstrated the success of the Pact in carrying out its task of informing, influencing and galvanising the voice of BME Organisations across Lancashire.

Can I take this opportunity to welcome the new members to our fold, and at the same time acknowledge the enduring support of the board members that have stepped down from the executive during this year.

There is still an awful lot of work to be done of course, and while the next twelve months bring a sense of optimism, with hints of excitement, they will no doubt also bring challenges and hurdles which we as an organisation will meet. This I can assure you. We move forward with strong hope, with a Lancashire BME Pact that is recognised much more widely as a key player in our field and as an organisation the statutory sector wants to do business with. I am privileged to be leading an organisation that has equipped itself with the professionalism and character to continue to serve our member base with a sustainable resource going forward.

Anayat Mohammad

Chair