Queenscourt Hospice in Southport appeals for four new Board of Trustees members

Queenscourt Hospice in Southport is hoping to recruit up to four new members to join its Board of Trustees, who will help the hospice to continue providing vital care for local people when they need it the most. 

Queenscourt, which supports over 1,800 people across West Lancashire, Southport and Formby each year, could not provide compassionate care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, without the leadership and input of its team of voluntary Trustees. 

As a registered charity, Queenscourt is governed by its Board of Trustees who oversee the work of the hospice by providing strategic direction, monitoring performance and ensuring it has sufficient funds to deliver core services each year and fulfil the terms of its charitable purpose.

Queenscourt currently has vacancies for up to four Trustees in areas where it needs to strengthen the skills and experience on its board. These are: 

•           Commissioning and/or contracting – someone with experience of commissioning or contracting for health and independent services and with an understanding of future strategic priorities for health and social care system. 
•           Engineering and construction – experience of construction projects and/or experience in civil engineering, architecture, surveying or a similar type of a role. 
•           Legal – a Trustee with experience in a relevant area of law, such as employment, company, charity, health and social care law or another comparable area that would support Queenscourt in meeting its legislative and regulatory responsibilities. 
•           Property and/or Facilities Management – someone with experience in the management of rental properties and/or the management of facilities and estates. 

Being a Trustee demands a level of availability and commitment with the expectation that you would attend monthly Board meetings, two Trustee development sessions a year (which are usually combined with Board meetings) and sub-committees as necessary. There is also a requirement for Trustees to complete mandatory training as directed, for example, safeguarding and information governance. 

Queenscourt celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2021, and by becoming a Trustee, you would be helping to secure and shape the future of this wonderful charity for future generations.

Anthony Crewe, Chair of the Council of Trustees said: “I am immensely proud to serve as a Trustee. Queenscourt isn’t just a building, it is much more – it is #teamqueenscourt, made up of people with a shared vision. “Our continued success can only be assured by effective governance that provides strategic direction and empowers people to make it all happen. This is why our Trustees and the role that they play are so important. 

“If you feel that you have the skills, experience and commitment necessary to help guide Queenscourt on its continuing journey, I hope you will express an interest in our volunteer Trustee vacancies.” 

More information about the roles and requirements can be found on Queenscourt’s website: www.queenscourt.org.uk/vacancies where you can also download an application form. The deadline for applications is January 31.

For an informal discussion on becoming a Trustee for Queenscourt, please call 01704 544645 and ask for Helen Birch or Debbie Lawson, Executive Directors. 

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