Have you ever wondered what it means to be a trustee for a charity? At the end of their terms as Board members, we chatted with Robbie, Christina and Cate to find out what it’s like to be a trustee, what they learned during their time and what they’ll miss most about being part of the Katharine House team. 

Our fantastic Board of Trustees – made up entirely of volunteers – play a vital role in strengthening, growing and governing the charity and bringing their professional knowledge and experience to support the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Here’s what they had to say about their time on the Board…

Robbie Cooke

Was this your first trustee role? 

Yes! I'd be fibbing if I said I knew exactly what a trustee role for a charity entailed when I was approached, but I have a very close personal connection to Katharine House from my late wife, and at the time I was keen to fundraise and possibly do more for the charity. As chance would have it, I was found on LinkedIn as the Board knew what they were looking for – someone local with marketing and branding experience. I guess it was meant to be! 

What’s been your highlight since being a trustee? 

Attending and volunteering at our events, such as the Moonlight Walk. You get to see the team's efforts, plans, trials and tribulations and everything that goes into putting on something like that. Then when they happen there's a great sense of pride and achievement for what they've done, and on top of that you get to see happy faces of the local community. They're the ones you're serving, and the ones to whom Katharine House means the most.

What’s it like being a trustee for Katharine House? 

Varied! You can be on the ground marshalling at a fun run and hearing feedback from the community, visiting a store or representing the hospice at a local event. But, of course, the core part of the role is attending and contributing to the Board and committee meetings, and by extension, shaping the future of the hospice and how it delivers its mission to the local community. Naturally, you build relations with the team at KHH and can sometimes help out in areas of your expertise. 

What have you learned during your time?

Well, as my first trustee role it's been a big learning curve. The first thing was getting my head around exactly where the trustee role ends, and the Senior Leadership Team’s begins. It's very easy and natural to want to get in the weeds of operational stuff, and occasionally that can be helpful, but seeing how more experienced trustees act and make decisions has been a big part of my development. It's a delicate but rewarding balance – as a trustee you want your SLT and staff to feel supported in the decisions they make, but you also have to think independently; you don't and shouldn't always agree with everyone! The trustee's role is not to keep the charity going for the sake of it, but to ensure it best delivers its mission to the local community with the resources it has or could have – it's an important distinction that should affect all decisions. 

What would you say to someone thinking of becoming a trustee? 

Naturally, I'd say do it! Especially if you have a charitable cause you're passionate about but want to do more than just the occasional fun run. There are a few resources online to tell you what a trustee does, but also reach out to friends or contacts to ask about their experience. And don't think, “I'm not really the right kind of person to be a trustee.” Like everything else, teams are more successful with a broad and diverse set of interests, backgrounds, views on life.

Despite having a very different skillset to a lot of the staff and trustees (I work in the video games industry), I can still apply everything I've learned from my personal experience with the charity combined with my years working for companies large and small. I'm in a senior management position, but I'm not a director! The Board will be looking for the right people, not the right job titles. 

Are there any misconceptions about being a trustee? 

While it was absolutely hilarious, I'm not sure the "You have no authority here Jackie Weaver!" meme painted local boards or councils in a great light! Every meeting I've attended for Katharine House has been run incredibly professionally and constructively, even if there are contrasting views on certain topics.

What are the regular commitments?

I'm on two committees that report into the Board, so including the latter, it's three two-hour meetings per quarter, plus prep time for these. There tends to be an away day too to devise strategy once or twice a year. We occasionally volunteer or do ambassadorial stuff at weekends and evenings. While that's not essential (and difficult for those further away), pretty much everyone on the Board does some form of volunteering – or was already doing some before they joined.  

Is there anything you’ll miss?

Hearing the KHH team talk about their work – the passion for the cause is as strong as you'd expect – but also being able to lean on trustees for advice on anything really! 

Would you take on a trustee role again? 

Absolutely. Maybe even for KHH if they'll have me in the future! Sadly, the joint combination of a move away from Banbury and a lot of work travel means it's right for me to make way for someone new after a rewarding three-year term.

Christina Lloyd

Was this your first trustee role? 

No, I have been a trustee at the Motor Neurone Disease Association previously (six years in total). 

What’s been your highlight since being a trustee? 

Working through some real financial challenges, exploring options for keeping the hospice going and bringing through the changes to make the OUH partnership work.

What’s it like being a trustee for Katharine House? 

Very rewarding and truly meaningful as I can see directly the impact of Board/Trustee decisions on patients and their families. Being a ward receptionist has really enhanced my role of trustee – for me at least! Being a trustee carries a significant responsibility, which of course is shared across the Board. 

What have you learned during your time?

Make sure you have sufficient time and energy to devote to the role. Be willing to roll up sleeves and get stuck in! Visit the hospice, get to know staff – this will enrich your experience as  trustee.  

Are there any misconceptions about being a trustee? 

Probably! These are volunteer roles and most of us who take up such roles do so because we believe in 'giving something back' or using our experience and expertise to benefit a very, very worthwhile charity.

Is there anything you’ll miss?

Yes, being at the heart of decision making and support to the Senior Leadership Team!  

Would you take on a trustee role again? 

Yes, if time and family commitments allow.

Cate Teideman

What’s been your highlight since being a trustee? 

I joined at an interesting time for the charity when a new strategy was being developed. It was very interesting to work on that with the SLT and trustees. I have also enjoyed volunteering at events such as the Moonlight Walk and Santa Fun Run, and have spent time in the shops as well. 

What’s it like being a trustee for Katharine House? 

Everyone has a voice, and an opportunity to speak at meetings. We all have areas of specialist expertise that is different from the other trustees. This means that you are either learning or sharing knowledge. Even when the topic isn’t your area, there is still valuable insight you can share. 

What have you learned during your time?

I didn’t know much about hospices and palliative care before joining Katharine House. It has been fascinating and humbling to learn about the work that is done, and how important it is for the local community.

What would you say to someone thinking of becoming a trustee? 

If given the opportunity to become a trustee, jump at it. It is a great chance to meet and work with people with lots of skills, ideas and passions. You will get more from being a trustee than you imagine.  

Are there any misconceptions about being a trustee?

That you need to have previous experience, you really don’t. Everyone has something to bring to a charity. The role of a trustee is different from a job, and there are lots of resources available to understand the responsibilities of a trustee. 

Is there anything you’ll miss?

I will miss seeing the team and will stay in touch.  

Would you take on a trustee role again? 

I would love to be a trustee again. I have enjoyed it enormously.