Farewell to Linda Thomas (Retiring CEO)
Arch say a fond farewell to Linda
In 1989, from a small office, with only a desk to
share Linda Thomas was one of a small team (of 2!)
that started Arch North Staffs Ltd; a local charity
supporting homeless people and those at 
risk of homelessness.
It took a further 21 years before Linda decided it was finally time to retire from Arch but in her own words she is retiring "from Arch but definitely not from life"!
Linda's tireless and passionate campaigning to improve the life chances of vulnerable people in our area will be missed but we know that it will just be impossible for her to go into a quiet and relaxing retirement. We look forward to Linda continuing her mission of championing the rights of vulnerable and socially excluded local people and fighting for the ongoing funding required by the voluntary sector.
A Warm welcome to Paul Bridges
In May 2010 Arch welcomed Paul Bridges to the position of Chief
Executive.
Paul's background is within the social housing and
the voluntary sector where he has worked for around 20 years
both in
Birmingham and in London. Paul's passion
is for listening to those that receive, deliver and commission our
services to ensure that we can be the best we can for those in need
in North Staffs.
"I am very excited about leading the organisation through the next phase of its life and I am particularly looking forward to getting to know our partners and the people we work for ".
Paul is already getting out and meeting key people and partners and, most importantly, talking to our customers about how Arch can continue to provide them with services of the highest standard.
Following the announcement by Linda Thomas MBE that she was retiring from Arch (North Staffs) a number of current and past friends and colleagues gathered to say goodbye.
Over a 150 people gathered at Knights Solicitors to acknowledge Linda's accomplishments over 20 years at Arch and to say an emotional goodbye to a champion of disadvantaged people.
At the gathering Linda and guests were given an insight into Linda's personal and working life by a 'This is your Life' presentation ably done by Lisa Reilly, Head of Accommodation Services (Arch).
Amongst the numerous tributes and gifts presented to Linda was a Armillary garden sundial and plinth which was purchased from donations received from a wide selection of friends and colleagues past and present.
'All staff members at Arch wish Linda a happy, healthy and long retirement'
Comments
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On 18 May, 2010, Alice said:
Its good to see that Stokeon Trent Employees are so passionate about their jobs!! Brilliant to see that you had so much Joy & Fun in your job... Good Luck with the Future Linda!!
