PAMIS welcomes new Chief Executive

Published On Thu 22 Jan 2015 by Grant Hill

Jenny Miller has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the University of Dundee-based charity PAMIS, taking over the post from Loretto Lambe who has retired after 22 years in the role.

PAMIS is the only organisation in Scotland that works solely with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their families and Jenny has served as a Governor on the charity’s board for several years.

She brings with her a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the post and first became involved with the organisation during her time working as an Occupational Therapist, an association that was to shape the rest of her career.

“I am absolutely delighted to be taking up this fantastic position within an organisation that provides invaluable support and knowledge to people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, their families and carers,” she said.

“PAMIS promotes a more inclusive society for the person with PMLD and has made a significant impact on the involvement of family carers as equal partners. I always strove to replicate this approach in my work within health and latterly supporting the involvement of family carers within NHS Education for Scotland. I can’t even begin to tell you how thrilled I am to be now working in this amazing organisation and with skilled and dedicated staff and families.”

Loretto Lambe founded PAMIS in 1992 with limited resources but considerable commitment and support to draw upon from her husband Professor James Hogg, an expert in the field of learning disabilities, and an experienced group of governors.

After a difficult first few years, PAMIS was awarded a grant from the Scottish Executive to develop a family support service for three areas in Scotland and this proved the foundation for future achievements. PAMIS now has a staff team of 20 and continues to work on a number of fronts to enable inclusion and improve quality of life.

The organisation’s priority is to provide support to family carers, carried out by 5 dedicated Family Support Services, which cover 14 local authority areas. Additional intensive support is also provided to family carers through the difficult and often stressful period of transition from child to adult services.

PAMIS has worked closely with the Scottish Government on the development of policy and practice. This work includes representation on government committees, responding to consultation exercises, and campaigning on key issues.

One of Jenny’s first duties as new CEO will be to host the organisation’s annual Burns supper at the Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee on 31st January 2015. The fundraising event, which will also pay tribute to Loretto’s vision, leadership and legacy, is almost a sell-out but a few tickets remain and can be obtained by contacting clare@alongcamekirsty.co.uk.  

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277