Become a trustee

We’re looking for people who are passionate about increasing access to hospice care to join us as trustees.

If you’re passionate about increasing access to hospice care in our community, we’d like to invite you to join us as a trustee.

We provide adult palliative care to the people of Stafford and surrounding areas. Last year, we cared for over 2,000 patients and their families.

Our care means a lot to patients and their loved ones. Don’t take our word for it – read their stories.

Your expertise and experience can help shape the future of our charity and the experience of local people in need of hospice care.

Staff and volunteers pictured at the opening of the Therapy & Wellbeing Centre at Katharine House Hospice.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking to appoint one clinical trustee and one other trustee whose experience and/or expertise can add value to the charity, our patients and their families.

You don’t need to have:

  • previous trustee experience
  • experience of working at board level.

We’re looking for people who:

  • have a strong belief in the value of hospice care
  • are values driven
  • have valuable experience that can contribute towards our charity.
Staff and volunteers pictured at the opening of the Therapy & Wellbeing Centre at Katharine House Hospice.

Your experience

You may have experience of hospice care through the experiences of loved ones. You may have strategic experience and want to lend your specialist expertise. You may even be passionate about representing a specific community and their needs. The clinical trustee will need to have an appropriate clinical background.

Diversity and inclusion

One of our core values is people. We value individuals and their diversity in culture, background and environment. We invite you to share your unique qualities and how you make a meaningful impact in our charity and on the lives of people who need us.

Nurses and care staff celebrating being shortlisted for Nursing Times' Best UK Employer of the Year.

Apply

Send your CV and a covering letter to recruitment@khhospice.org.uk or via the post, marking the envelope ‘Reference Trustee’ to the Personnel Department, Katharine House Hospice, Weston Road, Stafford, ST16 3SB.

Deadline

The trustee vacancies will close on 30 June 2024. We reserve the right to close the application process before this date if we have received enough applications.

Frequently asked questions

What do trustees do?

As a trustee, you’ll participate in board meetings to make key decisions about the charity’s direction and activities. You’ll provide oversight, offer your expertise, and contribute to fundraising efforts and other initiatives as needed.

How much time do I need to contribute?

The time commitment varies but typically involves attending regular board meetings (usually quarterly or bi-monthly), participating in discussions, and potentially serving on committees or working groups. On average, trustees contribute a few hours per month, though this may fluctuate based on the charity’s needs and your availability.

We’re flexible with remote attendance of meetings as we recognise not everyone can always be present in person during regular business hours.

How long is the term of a trustee?

Initially, a trustee will serve until the next Annual General Meeting. Once elected, they can serve for six years. Subsequently, they may serve two additional terms of two years each. After completing these terms, the trustee must stand down for 11 months.

Will I receive training or support as a trustee?

All trustees will be assigned an experienced mentor from the Board of Trustees and have access to the hospice training facility for a variety of learning opportunities.

Is the trustee role paid or voluntary?

The trustee role is voluntary although expenses may be reimbursed in certain circumstances.

Do I need experience of formal business meetings?

No, you don’t. Your mentor will help you through the procedures. What’s more important is your contribution to discussion and using your experience and skills to help the hospice.

I work full time, how could I give the role the time necessary?

We have a number of trustees who work full time and still add a lot of value to the Board. We are now able to offer online meetings and have varied the timing of meeting to meet the needs of participants.

Contact us

If you are interested, have any questions, or would like to arrange a chat with one of our existing trustees, please get in touch with us.