Local charities thrive for many reasons but many excel thanks to the leadership that governs them. Trustees are an integral part of any charity, bringing expert skills to help and support the organisation as it grows.
One local charity recognises the value in its most senior volunteers and is now recruiting three new members of its board of trustees, including a new chair.
Prospect Hospice is seeking two trustees to join its board who have experience in the medical profession, nursing and governance. They’re also looking for a new chair to lead the board when the current chair steps down after a decade with the charity.
Jo Hollingsworth, director of people at Prospect Hospice said: “Our board of trustees is integral to the running of the hospice and our members have a range of skills and expertise that they bring to the table to help steer the charity, ensuring excellent end of life care for our patients.
“As with all boards, trustees are with us for a certain number of years and while it’s always sad to say goodbye to experienced trustees who have worked incredibly hard for us, it does provide the opportunity to bring in new people with a fresh perspective. It also means that some new people have the opportunity to take on this incredibly rewarding role and make a real difference to the communities we serve.”
While Prospect Hospice is a local Swindon based charity and welcomes applications from the local community, it also welcome applications from people further afield as it seeks to diversify the skills and experience of its board. Being situated just off the M4, the hospice has fantastic links to London, Bristol and Bath.
New trustees will help direct a clear strategic direction ensuring clear objectives for the hospice which not only include the delivery of specialist end of life care but also the raising of around £8million a year to ensure the charity can continue to provide all of its services free to those who need them.
In 2020, the hospice supported almost 2,500 patients and their families and this support was made possible thanks to the charity’s 250 staff and 850 volunteers who dedicate their time to support the hospice in a number of ways including raising funds and delivering care. The board of trustees is an integral part of the organisation and plays a key role in its ability to be there for those who need it when they need it.
Sarah Jones has been a member of the Prospect Hospice board of trustees since 2018 and says: “The work of Prospect Hospice was well known to me through friends and colleagues who have experienced their care and support. I was keen to get involved in becoming a trustee to support a local charity providing such excellent and critical support to my community. I felt I could give my time and experience to help the charity continue its excellent work by being involved at the core.
“It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience for me so far. Being able to share my knowledge and skills to support them and see the charity thrive, especially through the pandemic, is something really special. As a board, we’re excited about welcoming new people to join us to help us prosper as demand for our services increases.”
Members of the board are required to dedicate a certain amount of time to attend board and committee meetings as well as other events where they will represent the charity. Much of this will take place at the hospice in Wroughton and in the surrounding Swindon and Wiltshire area however, for the time being, the majority of these meetings are taking place virtually in line with government guidance.
To find out more about becoming a trustee or chair of the board at Prospect Hospice, visit www.prospect-hospice.net/joinus. Applications for the roles close on Friday 26 March 2021.