From the Chair

At this uncertain time, when recession and far reaching spending cuts continue to dominate the headlines, Nacro holds its head up high with a positive set of accounts for 2009/10 showing an increase in turnover and operating margin.

However, this is also no time for complacency. We know that the coming years will bring many challenges and uncertainties. Nevertheless, and while no one can be certain of how the rehabilitation revolution will develop, we believe that the Government's desire to find and fund new partners will create huge opportunities for Nacro.

It will, of course, take time for the agenda to develop and funding mechanisms to be properly formulated. In the meantime, many of our traditional funding streams are threatened and there will be significant reductions in contracts available, meaning an increase in the competition for the work. That’s why it’s vital that Nacro organises and positions itself to be the partner of choice for the rehabilitation agenda, and as the voice of sense in the criminal justice debate.

It is therefore crucial that our organisation is fit to lead this increasingly competitive market. A new and ambitious strategic plan is consequently being drawn up to spell out our strategic and business objectives for the next four years and to build on those things for which we are rightly recognised. Internally, meanwhile, a change programme - Vision 2015 - will ensure that the organisation has the infrastructure in place to meet our objectives.

From this firm financial foundation we will then be in a position to grow our supporter and donor base, to become the partner of choice and to create an organisation that can genuinely lead in the area of crime reduction.

I am committed to working with Nacro’s dedicated council of trustees to help Nacro fulfill its mission and achieve its objectives. Together, and with the help of all Nacro’s exceptional staff and volunteers, we can do more for young people, offenders and ex-offenders, changing their lives for the better and, in so doing, changing the communities in which they live.

Matthew Litobarski
Nacro Chair