Lets celebrate our Trustees!

It’s Trustees week and we think it is the perfect time to explain what a Trustee is, and why their voluntary work for the Hospice is so important.
 
What is a Trustee and what do they do for our Hospice?
Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first.
 
As a Trustee of The Prince of Wales Hospice they are responsible for overseeing the affairs of the Hospice to ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted practice. They help to steer and monitor the strategic direction of Hospice services, and act honestly and in the best interests of the Hospice to ensure the organisation delivers on its accountabilities.
 
We caught up with some of our Trustees and asked them what made you want to be part of the board and inspired them to help the Hospice.
 
Ruth Roche has recently been reappointed as Deputy Chair, she says:
“I have always been passionate about the hospice movement since qualifying as a doctor in 1987.
As a local GP for nearly 30 years, I was well aware of the gaps in the provision of palliative care in both the hospital and the community setting. I worked for a short time at the hospice in 1996 and saw first-hand the wonderful work that it did.
I was delighted to be asked to become a trustee several years ago and hope I can bring a bit of medical expertise to the board and give something back to the organisation which gives so much to the community.”
 
Steve Dibb recently joined our board and says:
“I was familiar with the Hospice and the amazing service it provides to the area and I have been involved in fund raising events over time. 
When I learned there was going to be a recruitment exercise for new Trustees I felt this was an ideal opportunity where I possibly could offer my experience and expertise. 
I had the benefit and privilege of being able to visit the Hospice to see the amazing facilities, meet some of the highly motivated, dedicated and friendly staff and talk about the services offered. I had no hesitation in offering my services, to be part of this wonderful organisation that is making a difference to patients, their families and the community. It is a privilege to be part of the organisation and be part of its ambitious journey.”
 
Gordon Tollefson, our Chairman, has been involved with the Hospice for over 40 years and says:
“From my own position (which is somewhat different to all of my colleagues) I and a now deceased colleague set up the Hospice in the first instance in 1981 and launched a Steering Group in 1982. There's only one reply I can give you and that is 'passionate to see it continue flourish after 40 years and it's a big thank you to all those who have been involved throughout those years, in many different ways, supporting the care of our patients'.”
 
Our Board of Trustees is made up of ten individuals who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure the Hospice runs smoothly. You can read more about our Board here.