Royal National Institute of Blind People’s vice president Ian Bruce launched his book ‘Vision Changing Charity: RNIB in Socio-Political Context 1970-2010’ at the charity’s London headquarters on April 19.
The event gathered its community to celebrate the impact of RNIB and commemorate the book launch with a signing by author Bruce, who led the charity as CEO between 1983 and 2003.
Bruce highlighted four key achievements in his opening speech, which were covered widely in the book, including how RNIB became more centred on the needs of blind and partially sighted people; how services were expanded help to those people; tripling the size of RNIB; and becoming one of the UK’s most successful campaigning charities.
Speaking at the event, RNIB CEO Matt Stringer, said: ‘As Ian describes in his book, the RNIB is a prime example of a charity that is continually developed by applying traditional charity strengths of being massively informed by beneficiaries, understanding social justice and campaigning vigorously, combined with modern practices, strategic planning, marketing, HR and increasing harnessing of technology. This book provides a fascinating insight into the past, offering a snapshot of history that I believe all charities could learn from.
‘Now more than ever, we need to take clear guidance from our experiences, which is why writing history is incredibly important. In the present day, we're faced with significant challenges, including climate change, economic crisis, health service and social care under pressure, culture, wars, political dysfunction, all of which require RNIB and charities in the sector to flex and adapt.’