In Conversation with Our New CEO – Mark Milton

After 12 weeks at the helm, Mark Milton shares his first impressions of SIG, the values that inspire him, and his vision for the future. From opportunities in criminal justice, mental health, and housing to the importance of compassion, inclusivity, and partnership, Mark offers an insightful look at where we’re headed and how we’ll continue to make a difference.

You’ve been with the group for around 12 weeks now. What have been your first impressions of the people and the culture at SIG? 
I have been really impressed by the commitment of our staff teams, both at the front line in services and at the centre. 

Our charity is built on strong values. What have you seen or experienced so far that brings those values to life? 
During the course of my service visits I have met a number of people who we used to provide support to, who then volunteered with us and then went to work for us. That is the strongest expression of putting values into action.

You’ve spent your first few weeks meeting staff and partners. What have you learned from those conversations? 
Put simply, a lot – we have many very skilled and clever people out there who are quite rightly proud of what they are achieving and the difference they are making every day. The Commissioners who I have met speak very highly of what we do.

From your early perspective, what opportunities or challenges do you see on the horizon for the organisation? 
I think there are great opportunities for growth and development in three primary areas – Criminal Justice, Mental Health and Housing. We are well aligned to the priorities of the current administration; prisons and hospital mental health wards are full, and the government is looking for community-based solutions. In a similar vein, the government appears to be showing a greater commitment to Housing. The challenges include funding, the ability to attract and retain staff and working with individuals with complex needs, as  well as the importance of equipping staff with the necessary skills to work with complexity.

What is your long-term vision for SIG, and how do you see us positioning ourselves in a competitive health and social care landscape? 
SIG in my view, needs to grow more substantially over the next 3-5 years. This will give us the ability to withstand better, the external shocks lurking in the external environment. . We should aspire to become the national and natural Partner of Choice for the MOJ and NHS mental health service provision.

Health, criminal justice, and social care commissioners -and other non-profit leaders- are key stakeholders. How do you see SIG working collaboratively to address shared challenges and deliver better outcomes? 
It goes without saying that we need to add and obtain the maximum value from these key stakeholders. One of our key strategic objectives going forwards has to be A Partner of Choice.

Health and social care are such people-focused fields. How do you see compassion and partnership shaping the way we deliver our services? 
I have always tried to approach my work in an entirely values driven way, focusing at all times on the best possible outcomes for the people we support. Compassion is right up there with empowerment, inclusivity and co-production.

You’ve expressed a passion for inclusivity. How will equity, diversity, and inclusion influence your leadership and the organisation’s future direction? 
I have become increasingly concerned about the narratives playing out in the external environment in relation to immigration and the fact that many businesses are shedding commitment and investment in EDI. I believe we should be doing the polar opposite and positioning ourselves as a Beacon of Excellence. There is already some really good work going on at SIG but there is an opportunity for more.

As the organisation continues to grow and adapt, how do you hope to nurture a positive, and inclusive culture for everyone involved? 
To achieve this, we need to be guided by our values. Work should be a respectful, inclusive, dignified and authentic experience. A place where people can develop their skills and be in a safe space to make mistakes.