Cites D.J. Funnell
Description:

'I interviewed Mr. Funnell at Stoke Mandeville Hospital on 14th March, 1950 in connection with his application for training under the F.E.&T. Scheme, for a Social Science Diploma.

I came to the conclusion that, while Mr. Funnell's mental and personal qualities were suited to some form of work holding a human interes, his physical handicap was such that he would be unlikely to secure employment in a post as Welfare or Personnel Officer which would involve a good deal of movement from place to place, and that a Social Science Diploma would therefore by unlikely to lead to his obtaining suitable employment. The Chief Medical Officer of the Spinal Unit at Stoke Mandeville, under whom Mr. Funnell was receiving treatment, entirely concurred with this view.

Alternative careers of a more sedentary nature were discussed with Mr. Funnell. At that time he was not very keen on Accounting and it was eventually felt that clerical work in a hospital where there would be opportunity to qualify, by part time study for a Diploma in Hospital Administration or similar work with an undertaking where he could qualify for the Chartered Institute of Secretaries would be the best solution. Mr. Funnell was agreeable to this provided the necessary financial assistance could be obtained to enable him to obtain a qualification.

A report under M.L.C.164/14 was made to A.6. who agreed that it was unlikely that a Social Science Diploma would lead to suitable employment and that an award under the F.E. & T. Scheme would be favourably considered either for a part-time or full-time course which would lead to a qualification in a profession in which he was likely to obtain employment.

Mr. Funnell was advised of this decision on 3rd April and was advised to let us have any fresh proposals regarding the kind of training he would like and was told that we would make every effort to assist him to obtain such training. We heard from him yesterday 13th April that he had been transferred to Eastbourne and that he was in temporary employment as a copy clerk with the local Dental Estimates Board but that he had been advised that there were not prospects of anything but routine clerical work while employed by that body. He also intimated that on further consideration he is willing to train in Accountancy.

In the mean tim ewe have approached the Reading Group Hospital Management Committee and the Administrator of the Warneford and Park Hospitals, Oxford, who are unable to assist at present.

We are approaching the Radcliffe Infirmary Oxford, within the next few days and should ths prove unsuccessful we propose, subject to your observations, transferring the papers to the London Appointments Office as Mr. Funnell is now residing within the L. and S.E. Region.'