Trustees’ Week

Nick Beckett
Chair of the Board

As Chair of the Board of Trustees at Mirus, I am privileged to witness firsthand the incredible dedication and passion that drives our organisation. This past year has been a transformative one for Mirus, and Trustees Week is a fitting time to reflect on our journey, and the role that our Trustees play within the organisation.

One of the highlights of each year is the Mirus Stars Awards, an event that captures the spirit of recognition and community at Mirus. This year, the awards event in November marks Mirus’ 39^th birthday – a milestone that reflects nearly four decades of supporting people across Wales. These awards celebrate the incredible achievements of both our staff and the people we support, highlighting their contributions, experiences, and the positive impact they have within our communities.

Selecting the winners for the Mirus Stars Awards is no easy task, and it’s a responsibility that our Trustees approach with great care and consideration. Each year we receive large numbers of nominations and as Trustees, we are involved in reviewing these nominations and the inspiring stories behind them.

The process is both rewarding and challenging. The stories we read are a testament to the hard work and commitment of people across Mirus, making the selection process a difficult one. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, knowing that these awards not only recognise individual accomplishments, but also reinforce the strong values that are at the heart of Mirus; Together, Respectful, Responsible, Empowering and Courageous.

Through our involvement, we gain a deeper appreciation for the daily efforts that make Mirus such a special place, and we are reminded of the importance of recognising those who live our values. We’re excited to attend the Mirus Stars Awards event at Brangwyn Hall in November and to celebrate with everyone.

Our role as Trustees goes beyond governance; it’s about promoting the rights of our staff and the people we support and ensuring their voices are heard and valued at every level of the organisation. This year, one of the most exciting developments in this area has been the creation of the first paid Mirus Ambassador roles. These positions, held by Alex and Adam who are also supported by Mirus, are a significant step toward valuing lived experience within our organisation. Their campaigning efforts, informed by the experiences of the people we support, are playing a critical role in advocating for greater inclusivity in Wales.

Nick presents the Mirus Stars Awards alongside Mirus Ambassadors Alex and Adam

One of my absolute highlights of my time as a Trustee was presenting the Mirus Stars Awards alongside Alex last year. The next time I met Alex, he was employed by Mirus and we were interviewing a Trustee together. Seeing the pride he had in his own accomplishments was truly fantastic, and a reminder of the positive impact that personal achievements can have on confidence.

As Trustees, we believe that everyone should have a voice and a place within our organisation. Whether as staff, volunteers, people we support or in roles such as our Mirus Ambassadors, people are integral to shaping our direction and the services we provide.

Looking forward, we’re excited about the path ahead. Together with our knowledgeable and passionate staff, we will continue to make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of the people we support, and the communities we are proud to be a part of.

We look forward to continuing our work together to create a brighter, more inclusive Wales.

Nick Beckett

Chair of the Board of Trustees