Looking Back, Looking Forward

by Emma Purnell, CEO

Just over a year ago, I stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary. As I look back on that first year, I find myself feeling incredibly grateful.

Grateful for the support of our colleagues, volunteers, trustees, supporters and local community. Grateful for the opportunity to lead a charity that has been changing the lives of animals for more than 85 years. And grateful for the many people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make that possible every single day.

Although I had already spent several years at Ferne, becoming CEO has given me the opportunity to see the charity through a different lens. It has taken me into parts of the charity I hadn’t previously experienced in quite the same way and given me a deeper appreciation of the people, animals and stories that make Ferne what it is.

It has also been a year of change. Alongside the day-to-day challenges facing many charities, we have invested in our retail operation, welcomed new colleagues into key roles and continued to build the foundations that will support Ferne in the years ahead.

When I think about the past year, though, it isn’t the meetings, projects or plans that come to mind first. It is the animals and the people behind them.

There is Shadow, who many supporters will know has been with us for several years. Watching the care, patience and commitment that has gone into understanding his needs, including his current foster placement with a member of our team, has reminded me that animal welfare is not always about finding the quickest solution. Sometimes it is about taking the time to truly understand an animal and giving them every opportunity to thrive.

Taking part in our Sleeping Ruff event and spending a night in the kennels was another experience that stayed with me. One night is nothing compared to the uncertainty many animals face before arriving at Ferne, but it gave me a different perspective and an even greater appreciation for the supporters who continually step forward to help us raise vital funds.

I have watched our teams adapt during periods of avian flu restrictions, finding practical solutions to challenges outside of our control while never losing sight of the animals in their care. I have smiled at the story of Pendleton, a duck who grew up alongside chickens and preferred their company, proving that animals have a habit of writing their own rules. And I have had the pleasure of welcoming Bertie and Jemima, whose arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives and in ours.

One story in particular has stayed with me. Recently, a supporter wrote to ask about Rupert, a cow she had brought to Ferne nearly thirty years ago. Rupert is sadly no longer with us, but the fact that she still thought about him after all this time says so much about the connection people form with the animals who come through our gates. It was a lovely reminder that the impact of Ferne often extends far beyond the sanctuary itself.

What strikes me is how different all of these stories are. A foster dog, a duck who thinks he’s a chicken, two donkeys starting a new chapter and a supporter remembering a cow decades later. Yet somehow, they all capture what makes Ferne special.

Behind every animal is an individual story. Behind every successful outcome is a team of people working quietly and tirelessly to make it happen. Whether they are colleagues, volunteers, trustees or supporters, they are the reason Ferne continues to make a difference every day.

As we look ahead, I would also like to take a moment to recognise the contribution of our outgoing Chair, Bob O’Connor. Bob has provided leadership, support and guidance to Ferne during a significant period in the charity’s history. On behalf of everyone at Ferne, I would like to thank him for the time, commitment and expertise he has given so generously.

At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Richard as our new Chair and Verity as our new Vice Chair. Both bring valuable experience, passion and commitment to the charity, and I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to build on Ferne’s strong foundations and shape the next chapter of our story.

There will undoubtedly be challenges ahead, as there always are. But if my first year has taught me anything, it is that Ferne has an extraordinary ability to adapt, persevere and move forward without ever losing sight of why we are here.

Thank you for your continued support. Ferne’s story has always been built by people who care, and I am proud to be part of that story alongside you.

Richard Fuller Chair of Trustees

Having served as a trustee of Ferne since June 2021, I am honoured to take on the role of Chair and to continue supporting an organisation whose work makes such a meaningful difference to the lives of animals and the people who care for them. Ferne’s vision is a world where people respect animals and treat them with compassion, and I am proud to help champion that vision at a time when the need for expert animal care, rehabilitation and re-homing has never been greater.

Our mission is to be a centre of excellence for animal care and rehabilitation through education, support and re-homing. I also warmly welcome Verity Stiff as Vice Chair, and I look forward to working with her, the other Trustees (Bob, Karen and Mike) and the team of dedicated colleagues, supporters and the wider community to build on Ferne’s strong foundations, extend its impact and to continue ensure that the animals at the sanctuary receive the care, compassion and second chance they deserve.

Verity Stiff Vice Chair of Trustees

At the last Board meeting I was elected Vice Chair and am looking forward to supporting the new Chair, Richard Fuller, and to leading on governance issues on behalf of Ferne.

When I moved to the area a few years ago, I was looking for a local organisation where I could contribute my expertise and enthusiasm and was inspired by the mission and history of the Sanctuary.  I have been on the Board now for over 4 years and have most recently chaired the Health and Safety Committee.

As Vice Chair I will oversee governance for Ferne, including ensuring Charity Commission and other regulations are followed in policy setting and trustee recruitment and elections.  I held a similar position on another charity Board and believe it is an important part of the Board’s remit.  At the heart of what we do is our commitment to the animals and providing a safe environment for them, as well as for our colleagues and volunteers, who all have an important role to play in the organisation’s success.