1,000 signatures reached
To: RNIB UK and Action for Blind People
Save RNIB Scotland
Blind and Partially sighted members in Scotland are absolutely against the takeover of RNIB Scotland by Action for Blind People and have not even been consulted. We fear it will diminish services in Scotland and weaken our voice to influence and protect the interests of Visually Impaired Scots.
We want the Chief Executive of RNIB Lesley-Anne Alexander CBE, the Chief Executive of Action for Blind People Miriam Martin and crucially the Chair of RNIB Trustee Board Kevin Carey to listen to blind and partially sighted people in Scotland and halt the proposed takeover..
Why is this important?
RNIB Scotland members all of whom are blind or partially sighted have had no say in this decision despite RNIB being "of" rather than "for" blind people and this strikes at the heart of our organisational democracy.
Action for Blind People have no knowledge whatsoever of Scotland, have no presence in Scotland and we fear their takeover will put at risk the excellent services that RNIB Scotland already provide.
We are also deeply concerned as blind and partially sighted people that our ability to influence decisions in Scotland will be diminished as it totally ignores the reality of devolution and the increasing focus on the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament as the place to find advantage for blind and partially sighted people in Scotland.
We were not consulted. We were not asked. We say STOP! NOW!
