Glen Haven CEO presents at global migration forum

Lisa Smith, CEO of Glen Haven, a community governed nursing home, was among a group of respected panelists who presented at one of the roundtable discussions at the 12th Global Forum on Migration & Development (GFMD) held in Quito, Ecuador, from Jan. 20 to 24. Since 2007, the GFMD Summit has provided the largest multi-stakeholder space for member states of the United Nations to discuss how to improve migration policies and to generate ideas and encourage partnerships. This is the first time that governments, international organizations, the Civil Society (a sector that is distinct from government and business which focuses on civic values), businesses and local authorities will meet in the same venue during the official program of the forum. The central theme of the 2020 forum is Sustainable Approaches to Human Mobility: Upholding Rights, Strengthening State Agency and Advancing Development Through Partnerships and Collective Action. The topic for the roundtable panel Smith took part in leading was titled, Pathways from Crisis to Safety. She spoke on Glen Haven’s role in helping foster and develop flexible, rights-based, labour mobility pathways for migrants, especially in the health-care sector and the benefits of recruiting international talent to fill labour shortages. To date, Glen Haven Manor has had a 100 per cent retention rate for its international recruits and has received overwhelmingly positive response from the residents on the high calibre of these staff and the care they provide. “Our local staff, which comprise the vast majority of our team members, have also been exceptional with their welcoming and support of newcomers,” added Smith. “That support has been a huge part of our recruitment success story.”