Good Practice

Christy Lynch

Christy Lynch set up and managed the first Supported Employment Programme for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland. This innovative project pioneered the concept of Supported Employment in Ireland. Christy was founder member of both the Irish Association of Supported Employment (IASE) and the first President of the EUSE. Christy is Chief Executive Officer of KARE which provides a comprehensive range of services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Christy has significant experience in the development of Inclusive Employment Options, specifically Supported Employment for people with disabilities. Christy is nationally and internationally recognised for his pioneering work in achieving integrated employment for individuals with a disability. He has worked tirelessly in the pursuit of equal employment opportunities, not only in Ireland, but also throughout Europe, the Far East, South America, South Africa and Russia running seminars and lectures to professionals, academics, parents and umbrella organisations.

He has been actively involved with the European Disability Forum, the European Commission and with the European Parliament on Disability Employment Policy for several years. Christy’s ‘back to basics’ presentation will challenge delegates to examine and review their current practices as well as highlighting the principles and values of Supported Employment.

Christy Lynch Presentation: Download

Leadership

Sir Gerry Robinson

A native of Donegal, Sir Gerry Robinson is one of the UK’s foremost business leaders and analysts. Sir Gerry Robinson’s initial employment was with Lesney products (Matchbox Toys), where he qualified as an Associate of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA), and became the company’s Chief Management Accountant. In 1974, he moved to Lex Service Group’s Volvo network, becoming Financial Controller and Finance Director of Lex Industrial Distribution and Hire by 1980. He joined Grand Metropolitan’s UK Coca Cola Business, in 1980, subsequently becoming Chief Executive of its whole Contract Services Division. In 1987, he led the management buy-out of the Division, which was renamed the Compass Group, and later floated on the London Stockmarket. He joined Granada, as Chief Executive, in 1991, becoming its Chairman in 1996. He has also been Chairman of BSkyB plc, ITN, Allied Domecq plc, and the Arts Council (England).

He has led a business series for the BBC, ‘I’ll Show Them Who’s Boss’ and written a book of the same title on business leadership. He has more recently presented a three part programme for BBC2 titled ‘Can Gerry Robinson Fix the NHS?’ He was awarded a Knighthood in 2003 for Services to the Arts and Business.

Sir Gerry Robinson will draw on his vast knowledge and expertise and will inspire delegates on leadership from an individual, organisational and Supported Employment perspective.

Managing Change

David Harp

David Harp is an internationally acclaimed cognitive scientist and author. David is also a teacher of cognitive behavioural science, a form of psychology for behavioral change in organizations and individuals.

David’s most recent work involves the cutting edge field of cognitive science known as “Neural Network” or “Neural Path” psychology and demonstrates how these chains and paths underlie our every thought, emotion, word, or action. David travels the USA and beyond (Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Australia) assisting corporate groups and nonprofit organizations work to understand their own “neural paths,” and thus work more effectively, more creatively, more co-operatively and with less stress. He does this through enhanced communication, change management, leadership, and creative problem solving presentations and workshops. His client list includes a diverse range of organizations from Kraft Foods, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and the FBI. David will show delegates how they can be more effective in their work and daily lives and how to manage changes within the Supported Employment sector. He combines high content with great entertainment to engage every member of the audience.

David Harp Presentation: Download

David Harp Handout: Download