The Structure of SUSE

The Scottish Union of Supported Employment strives to be a democratic organisation driven by it's membership. To achieve this aim, a structure of local area networks has been set up where members can discuss local issues.

As a company limited by guarantee, SUSE has a Board of Directors elected from members nominated by the Local Area Networks. The Board of Directors consists of 13 members. Elections to the Board are held at the Annual General Meetings.

Membership - This can be on an individual basis or an organisational basis with between 3-5 representatives.

Local Networks - Members are encouraged to set up local networks in their home area. Networks are now well established in Lothian, Tayside, Glasgow, Central, Ayrshire and Highland and provide an opportunity for members to discuss issues relevant to their own needs.

General Meetings - These meetings are held every 3 months, around Scotland, and cover national topics plus the general running issues of SUSE. After each meeting there is a guest speaker on a particular aspect of supported employment.

Board of Directors - Each year at the Annual General Meeting a Management Board is elected to undertake the general running of SUSE. At present this committee can have a membership of 15 representatives nominated from the networks.

SUSE is committed to promoting the voice of supported employment. Our achievements include:

• The creation of a national network
• The creation of regional networks of Supported Employment Providers
• Successful Annual Conferences where local networks met and share experiences
• Engagement with European Union of Supported Employment Conference was held in Edinburgh.
• Preparation of the 'Blueprint for Supported Employment in Scotland' commissioned by the Executive and based on wide consultation
• The Executive (through its Workforce Plus Team) asked SUSE to organize launches of the Blueprint in the 7 Workforce Pathfinder areas.