6-10 November marks Trustees’ week – an opportunity to reflect on the work of Willen Hospice Trustees and to thank them for their valuable contribution over the years.
Many voices. Working together. With purpose.
As a charity, Willen Hospice is governed by a Board of eleven Trustees, who are legally accountable for the activities of the hospice. Whilst these are volunteer roles, each Trustee has specific duties and responsibilities and brings their individual talents, viewpoints and experiences to work together to deliver our purpose.
In partnership with the Senior Leadership Team, Trustees support the hospice with all aspects of governance, including strategic decision making, managing finances, reporting information and safeguarding our people. The leadership, guidance and oversight of our Trustees is instrumental in ensuring that the hospice continues to provide compassionate care for those impacted by incurable illness. Their collective commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and ethics is truly commendable.
Our Trustees also play a pivotal role in governing the way we raise our funds and ensuring that we spend this to provide the greatest benefit to the community we serve.
We have spoken with a few of our Trustees and hear how their skills and expertise benefit Willen Hospice.
Our Chairman, Paul Davis who has been a Trustee for more than 12 years, is a chartered accountant by trade running his own successful business and a well-respected member of our local business community.
“When I was asked to take over the role as Treasurer in 2012, as a chartered accountant in practice and in business in Milton Keynes, I recognised the importance of that role in the city’s favourite charity. I had commercial experience, working with businesses and other charities in MK for the previous 30 years, and had also been fundraising for the hospice since the mid ‘80’s, so it was a great honour to be asked become Trustee. Hopefully I have been able to pass on a lot of that knowledge in the day-to-day running of the hospice and its governance, during my tenure as a Trustee.”
Marihelen Esam has been a Trustee at Willen for 3 years and her skills are a real asset to our commercial ventures and fundraising activities.
“After retiring from Cranfield University where I was a business counsellor, lecturer and programme director for the Business Growth Programme, I missed the dynamics of the commercial world. Being a Trustee at Willen allows me to be involved in the commercial side of the Hospice whilst giving something back to the community.”
“It’s hugely satisfying to help raise much needed funds which contribute toward paying for the outstanding clinical care which Willen provides. It’s inevitable that when attending an event or visiting one of the shops someone will come up and tell me how much Willen has helped them when a loved one needed the support which we provide. It’s an honour to be part of that.”
Steve Carbert has been a Trustee for a year, but has been a key part of the Hospice building projects for many more years he told us;
“Friends and colleagues have been helped by Willen Hospice in the past, one who sadly passed away just two months ago, so I know how the services provided by the Hospice are valued by friends and relatives. I spent over forty years as a surveyor and project manager so have extensive knowledge of the construction industry which I put to good use on behalf of the Hospice.”
Dr Madeline Rogers has been a trustee for 7 years following her retirement as a GP in Woburn Sands.
“I saw first hand, the care that Willen Hospice gave to my patients who were terminally ill or dying. Visiting my patients in the hospice gave me great appreciation and respect for the work and the environment of Willen. My expertise and experience as a GP in care of those with end of life conditions brings an understanding of the work of the clinical staff and also an appreciation of the pressures on the staff themselves.“
Philip Ball also brings his clinical expertise to the Charity, this is his third year as a trustee but his relationship with Willen expands far beyond that.
” I have had two spells or working at Willen as a nurse and manager of clinical services as well as working in other hospices and hospitals in palliative and of life care. I bring hospice nursing expertise, my management skills and life experiences to my Trustee role. I’ve learnt a lot over my career, and indeed when working before nursing that I am happy to share with anyone happy to listen.”
“When I was approached to be a Trustee using my experiences to support clinical services, I knew it would be a great way to give something back to the Hospice. I am happy to support all areas of the hospices’ services as they are so reliant on each other. I can use my knowledge to help make sure we do the right thing for those we care for as well everyone who has a role at the hospice. It’s a privilege to continue the connection I have with Willen and to see the services the Hospice provides developing.”
This Trustees’ Week, from everyone in our Willen Family, we thank each and everyone of our Trustees for you for their continued support, guidance and devotion to our community.
Do you think your skills and expertise could help Willen Hospice? Whether you are looking to further your career, donate your spare time and volunteer or fundraise by doing something you love, we’d love to hear from you.
Find out more about becoming a Volunteer for us, view our current Job Vacancies or find out all the ways you can Fundraise for us.
