Trustees
What does a Trustee do?
Trustees are responsible for setting strategies; overseeing the correct running of the organisation to carry out its aims through the policies and procedures laid down, whilst conforming to charity law; line managing the Chief Executive through the chair; attending trustee meetings which allows trustees to stay in touch with what is going on and to make informed decisions about matters brought before them - by the Chief Executive.
Trustees represent the Hospice - as do all employed and voluntary staff - they are aware of the power of the effect this has on the general public and behave in a manner that will promote the aims of the Hospice. Trustees have an obligation to advise about their specialist knowledge, when their expertise is required and to give their time and talents freely.
Raymond Priestman, Chair of Trustees
Area of Specialism: Management and Finance
My Job: Chartered Accountant
Why I became a Trustee: I was originally approached to be Treasurer following the retirement of the previous treasurer. I later was appointed Chair of Trustees following the resignation of the previous Chair.
How I support the Hospice through my role: I provide support through attendance at regular meetings with Hospice Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, Finance Committee and Trustee Board and I am also involved in individual development projects as and when required.
Lorna Jones, Vice-Chair of Trustees
Area of specialism: Psychology
Your job: Parapsychotherapist
Where you live: Hartlepool
Why I became a Trustee: I was interested in the Hospice from before its conception, became a founding member at the first management meeting and converted to a Trustee when we were growing into a large organisation. I think that the Hospice has a wonderful message to give to the world and I feel privileged to be part of it.
How I support the Hospice through my role: I take rexalation sessions for Day Patients and speak at meetings on behalf of the Hospice.
Thomas Chacko, Trustee
Area of specialism: Operations, Business Development
My Job: Self Employed business owner: Domiciliary Care and Business Development Consultancy
Why I became a Trustee: I have always had and continue to have an interest in working with and supporting local community activities.
Whilst working for a previous company, I had supported the Hospice in the great work that they do within the local community. When approached by the Hospice to become a Trustee, I was privileged to be more actively involved and be in a position to make a positive contribution. I continue to enjoy the time spent in my role alongside my colleagues and look forward to seeing the Hospice go from strength to strength in the positive role that it plays within the local community.
How I support the Hospice through my role: I support the Hospice through my role as a Trustee, working with specific Sub-Committees and through the knowledge that I, in helping make informed decisions, support the Hospice development and growth. Where ever possible I am an ardent voice in supporting the great work that is being done by the Hospice, within the local community and the wider audience.
Joanne Regan, Trustee
Area of specialism: Finance
My Job: Director and Head of Audit at Evolution, Wynyard
Why I became a Trustee: I saw being a Trustee as a great way of supporting to our local community. The Hospice touches everyone in some way and I am proud to be part of the organisation.
How I support the Hospice through my role: As the Hospice Treasurer I can provide financial expertise in operational and strategic matters making sure that all income received is utilised for the benefit of our charitable objectives
Jim Ainslie
Area of specialism: Environmental Management
My Job: Retired Environmental Sales Manager
Why I became a Trustee: When the opportunity arose to be involved and put something into this amazing charitable organisation, I was delighted to accept as I have seen at first hand the compassion and care shown to patients and their families.
How I support the Hospice through my role: My role is to act as a critical friend and give support to senior management in order for them to sustain and take forward the purpose of the hospice.
James Druce
Area of specialism: Clinical
My Job: GP Registrat
Why I became a Trustee: I am passionate about palliative medicine, both in providing the highest level of care to patients as well as the wonderful service provided at Alice House. Having been a part of this as the Hospice Doctor, I was honoured to be approached to join as a trustee. I look forward to contributing my skills and experience to Alice House, to benefit all those involved with the Hospice.
Clive Shotton
Area of specialism: Business Manager
My Job: Retail Manager
Why I became a Trustee: I have over 40 years of experience running a local furniture store and was asked to join the Board by the Chief Executive. I would like to contribute something back to the local community and feel it is a most worthy cause. It is a great service that I am proud to support and would encourage others to do the same.
Dr Angela Brown
Area of specialism: Workforce Development in Health and Care
My Job: CEO of a private sector training company supplying both accredited and bespoke training solutions for employers and those wishing to train and enter the sector.
Why I became a Trustee: Born in Hartlepool and having experienced the fantastic care given to my father and the whole family when he received his diagnosis in his 60’s, I wanted other families to experience the support and care that had been given to us.
How I support the Hospice through my role: With my knowledge of developments in training in both health and social care, and access to government funding I work with the team to establish a training needs analysis and make them aware of additional local, regional and national funding to support their work.
Peter Bowes
Area of specialism: I have experience in business management, I run a local manufacturing business with an amazing team. I’m a serving Presiding Justice with His Majesty’s Courts Service. I’m also The Deputy Lord-Lieutenant with County Durham. I also serve as the President of the Hartlepool Branch of The Royal British Legion (The veteran’s charity). I work within the local community and sit on various committees within the education sector and local groups as lay advisor.
My Job: I’m an Executive Director with a local firm that specialises in the manufacture of performance doorsets, we make fire doors.
Why I became a Trustee: Alice House is dear to me; I have lost people over the years, and some have been patients within Alice House, and I have seen first hand the care and dignity that Hospice patients receive. I believe Alice House to be an absolute asset to the town and am honoured to be able to play a part in its service.
How I support the Hospice through my role: As a trustee I hope to use my skills and experience to advise the senior management team as they undertake their roles within the organisation. I’m always available to them and all staff and volunteers should anyone have any issues or concerns they may want to raise.
