For Small Charity Week, we’re shining a light on some of the unsung heroes of Glaucoma UK.
As the country’s only dedicated glaucoma charity, we provide support across the length of the UK. We couldn’t do it without a tight-knit team of dedicated individuals who are passionate about glaucoma care and ending preventable sight loss.
In this short series, we introduce you to our four regional Development Managers who work closely with organisations and professionals in their area to ensure people with glaucoma get the information and advice they need.
Today’s article focuses on Philippa Mason, Development Manager for Scotland.
My name is Philippa and I’m the Development Manager (Scotland) for Glaucoma UK. I’m 43 and live in the North East of Scotland with my husband and two sons. When I’m not working, I’m a keen raver who can often be found on a dancefloor or at a festival with a glowstick in hand!
Before starting with Glaucoma UK, I had spent almost 20 years working in local government. I have a background in politics and research and enjoyed nothing more than engaging with people to find out how we could improve our communities. As I moved through the ranks, my roles were becoming more ‘tied to my desk’ and I really missed getting out there and talking to people. I was also feeling frustrated as local councils are such large organisations and there was little flexibility to do anything outside of my job description. After I had my children, I started volunteering with my local NCT branch and I then started to see how my skills could really make a difference to the mothers and babies in my area. This was the incentive I needed to embark on the next stage of my career and seek a job in the third sector.
When I saw the advert for the Glaucoma UK Development Manager post, I was drawn to the engagement and awareness-raising aspects of the role, but also understood my solid research and analysis background would be useful to the charity. I was nervous moving from the public sector to the charity sector. I had so much to learn, not just about glaucoma, but how the sector operated. Luckily, though, many of my skills were transferrable so it didn’t take long to get settled. I have now been with Glaucoma UK for 4 years.
When I joined Glaucoma UK, we were on the cusp of expanding. This was an exciting time, and it was very satisfying to be involved in modernising and helping to make the charity fit for the future. There were lots of new challenges and I’m constantly learning new skills! As the only paid member of staff in Scotland, I enjoy the variety of the role. One day, I’m supporting people with glaucoma at a support group in Orkney and the next I’m in the Scottish Parliament making sure the views of those with glaucoma are taken into account for future service provision. No two days are the same!
Working for Glaucoma UK has given me the flexibility and variety I was craving and I’m very proud to work for this wonderful charity.
You can support the sight-saving work of Philippa and the rest of the team by donating here.
For Small Charity Week, we’re shining a light on some of the unsung heroes of Glaucoma UK. As the country’s only dedicated glaucoma charity, we provide support across the length of the UK. We couldn’t do it without a tight-knit team of dedicated individuals who are passionate about glaucoma care and ending preventable sight loss. […]
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