Running from November 13th- 17th, 2017, Trustees week shines a spotlight on a role that many have heard of, but few know much about. The Trustees Week website reports that charity trustees help make the UK the 6th most giving country in the world, and here at Weston Hospicecare, we know that our trustees play a vital role in keeping our charity operating as it should.
Our trustees give up their time for free, working together to make important decisions regarding the care we provide and how we operate. Not only that, but our trustees support the hospice across a range of events, showing up to and taking part in many fundraisers throughout the year. Meet the board below:
Judi Driscoll — Chair of Trustees
Judi was editor of the Weston Mercury for 25 years until she retired in 2014. She became involved with the hospice 25 years ago when Jill Dando, a former reporter on the paper, became patron. Judi became a trustee in 2009 and took over the chair in 2015.
Judi was responsible for launching one of our biggest annual fundraisers- The Mendip Challenge- and has given the support of Weston Mercury to many past events.
John Davey — Deputy Chair of Trustees
John is a former Director of Finance at Bristol Water, with extensive experience in a wide variety of organisations. He has been a trustee since 2009 following the death of a friend at Weston Hospicecare, when he was impressed by the quality of the care provided. His role within the trustees is focused on our financial position — John wants to ensure that when he retires as a trustee, the hospice will have a secure future.
Hilary Emery
Hilary worked for the NHS for 42 years, having started her nurse training at Kings College Hospital in 1963. Most of her career was in the community as a health visitor. She has been a trustee for Weston Hospicecare for more than 5 years and is fully committed to that role.
Liz Turner
Liz is former CEO of Weston Hospicecare and now sits on our board of Trustees. With valuable insight into the running of the hospice, Liz is an important (and very much appreciated!) member of our team.
John Katsouris
John is senior partner of a financial advisors business in Weston-super-Mare and brings all of his financial insight and knowledge to his trustee role in Weston Hospicecare.
Dr David Evans
David worked as a GP in Weston for 32 years. He was involved with the hospice from its very beginnings in Montpelier, and became a trustee over 5 years ago. David believes the hospice to be irreplaceable in the community and says he will continue to give it his full support.
Iain Kilpatrick
Iain’s background is in education, and he is currently headmaster of Sidcot School in Winscombe. Iain has been on the board of several charities and is currently chair of an educational trust in Weston.
Michelle Michael MBE
Michelle is a qualified commercial lawyer and has been a director of the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare since 2008. Currently an executive member of the board of Visit Somerset, Michelle is also a member of the management committee of The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions and is regularly involved in lobbying Parliament to improve trading conditions for tourism businesses across the UK.
Angela Smythe
Angela’s professional background in nursing spans several disciplines, including both ophthalmic and district. Angela has been a trustee for 6 years, after being introduced to the hospice through a lymphoedema clinic. Keen to ensure the hospice received the support needed and deserved, Angela then set up a support group and enjoys fundraising for the hospice.
Tony Roche
Tony has been a trustee at Weston Hospicecare since 2010 and is also involved in a number of other voluntary activities within Weston. He originally wanted to support this vital local community resource having seen up close and personal the tremendous home support hospice staff and volunteers gave to a close relative who was terminally ill.
Glenys Taylor
Glenys has been a trustee for Weston Hospicecare for more than three years. She is a qualified human resources practitioner, and during her career, she has gained experience in both the public and private sectors. Glenys set up her own HR consultancy business in 2009, working primarily within NHS organisations.