Chief Nurse shares her Trustee experience at the Charity

Our Board of Trustees share the huge responsibility of governing the Charity, overseeing our operations and directing how we are managed and run.

Each brings a unique set of skills. Julia Curtis, Vice Chair of Trustees,  kindly shared her experience at the Charity:

Why did you want to volunteer as a Trustee for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity?
I retired from my role as Chief Nurse in a local Community NHS Trust that had previously employed the Hospice staff and felt that I wanted to use some of my experience and knowledge to give something back. It was great to reconnect with so many staff that I knew from that time who still work for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Do you have personal experience of anyone who has been cared for by us (or another hospice)?
A number of family members and friends have used the services on offer at the Alan Hudson Centre in Wisbech. The Living Well programme gave them an oasis of calm and regular support through difficult times and it is incredible that this part of the Charity service portfolio is completely funded from donations.

How much time do you have to dedicate to being a Trustee at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity?
I routinely attend the Quarterly Trustee Board meeting and two of the supporting sub committees (Clinical Governance and Remuneration and Nomination Committees).

I try to visit services including popping into some of our amazing retail outlets, to thank them for their commitment and hear about any challenges they have.

My husband joins me at a number of fundraising events each year to marshal walkers and participants, an activity that we love doing as we get to meet so many people supporting the Charity. He says he makes hundreds of new friends at each event as we thank participants for their support and hear about their loved ones that have been cared for by the Charity.

I also enjoy supporting a few other staff events during the year if I am able to, including the Christmas Staff Lunch, another great chance to thank staff again and have a bit of festive fun.

What do you enjoy about being a Trustee at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity?
I really enjoy being able to visit staff in our different services and hearing about their passion for delivering outstanding care and thanking them on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Many individuals go above and beyond to ensure patients and their loved ones receive the best experience as possible.

Also, being able to talk with patients about their experiences of care with us is a great privilege.

I also enjoy being part of a cohesive and compassionate group of Trustees who have worked in many different fields and come together with our Senior Leadership Team to ensure we continue to deliver high quality care, use our resources wisely and support our staff to develop and grow.

I took on the role of Deputy Chair a couple of years ago and enjoy supporting Antoinette Jackson, our fabulous Chair of Trustees.

What would you say to someone else who is thinking of volunteering as a Trustee?
I would urge anyone who cares deeply about providing outstanding, compassionate care for people towards the end of their lives to consider becoming a Trustee.

You can make a real difference by helping to set our strategy, track progress and contribute in so many different ways.

Each Trustee brings a different perspective on challenges and together we make a great team working collaboratively to provide residents of Cambridgeshire with the best experience possible.

Everyone is very welcoming and staff really appreciate the support that Trustees offer.

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To find out more about our Trustees visit arhc.org.uk/trustees