Pendleside Hospice is hoping to broaden the diversity on its board of trustees as it looks to expand its executive by three or four members.
The hospice hopes to attract candidates from the black, Asian and minority ethnic groups as well as the LGBT community.
Helen McVey, chief executive at Pendleside, said: “Becoming a trustee is a fantastic way to give something back to a cause you care about. You will be playing an integral part in the way Pendleside is run, ensuring we remain sustainable and financially viable.
“We are seeking trustees from across all areas of our community, particularly those from the under-represented groups like the local BAME and LGBT communities.
“The services Pendleside offers are to all members of the community in the Burnley and Pendle area no matter what sex or ethnic background they come from.”
Helen added: “Getting involved as a charity trustee is a great way to put your professional skills to use and it is a fantastic opportunity to learn new things. Trustees get a great insight into what is involved in the management of charities and gain skills in working well within a leadership role.”
Pendleside currently has 10 trustees each with special responsibilities.
They are: David Brown, hospice chairman and retired company director; Roger Cornes, treasurer and company secretary and a retired chartered accountant; Margaret Hynes, responsibility for retail with a background in charity retail; Francesca Chapman, responsibility for fundraising with an education and service user background; David Walker, chair of income generation sub committee and a company managing director.
Giles Williams, clinical trustee, and retired physiotherapist and senior management experience within the East Lancashire Hospitals Trust; Angela Brown, clinical trustee, and retired nurse with senior management experience with the Strategic Health Authority; Nicola Alden, finance trustee with commercial management experience; Matthew Davies, fundraising trustee, and a company managing director; and David Lawson, finance trustee, and director in firm of solicitors.
Helen said: “It is recognised that the board members are not fully representative of our local community which is something we would like to address. The BAME community is also under represented in the number of service users accessing hospice care with the number from that community being less than 5% of the overall number each year. Again this is something we would like to address.”
“I believe one reason for this is a lack of understanding amongst the Muslim community about hospice services and a misconception about what the hospice does.
“For example, care just being about last days of life; that care will be taken over by the nurses with family being excluded; not being able to stay with the patient; and that there is a charge for care provision. None of these are true.”
It is hoped to recruit three or four additional trustees ideally with clinical, finance, business, information technology and community engagement experience.
If you are interested in finding out more please download the trustee recruitment pack at www.pendleside.org.uk or email [email protected]. To apply please complete the volunteer application form and send it back to us. Thank you
