Teresa Pointing Our world needs Permaculture. Unsustainable systems are breaking down and people are searching for better ways to do things, culture change is already happening. The UK association is like a young tree; its strong roots are its membership and its trunk the principles and consistency of design practice. It’s time to grow on and branch out. As a doctor I improve care services by designing collaborative and integrated systems, often against the grain of political ideology, because that’s what works. I have learned a lot from training different groups (rewarding), advising government bodies (frustrating), writing funding bids (useful), and running a national charity (strong boards and communications really matter). Currently I lead rehabilitation services in 3 prisons and try to find time for my diploma, but I hope I can be useful by offering my professional networks and experience to help our Board lead a resilient diverse organisation. Land projects are vital, but design skills are needed for new sustainable businesses and peoplecare enterprises too. I see the Association itself as a model of Permaculture design, inspiring a healthy ecosystem of activities and enterprise.