Jeff Slater

1. First of all, about you: What attracted you to becoming a trustee/chair?

I retired in 2008 after just over 42 years in the NHS working as a Biochemist with the last 10 years or so as a Head of very busy department. Having acquired both management and governance experience I felt strongly that it would be a shame to waste such hard-earned experience and also realised I still wanted to work in a healthcare environment. I came across an advertisement for a Trustee position in our local Hospice, did some information digging and thought that the role may well be what I was looking for. An encouraging telephone call from the Chief Executive was also instrumental in me applying for the post.


2. Which organisation(s) do you represent?

Farleigh Hospice in Chelmsford which provides adult palliative care for the Mid-Essex community


3. What particularly attracted you to these organisation(s)?

Farleigh is well known within the community and has a strong brand image throughout Mid-Essex for providing caring care of an exceptional standard. Whilst in the NHS I had always been scientifically interested in screening for cancer and how the laboratory can help in cancer management but felt that the service delivery of palliative NHS was perhaps not as good as it could be. I also had an interest in clinical governance.


4. Is there anything that would make you an even more effective trustee/chair?

One does not become an effective contributing Trustee overnight. A Trustee should not automatically think that their previous experience can be seamlessly transfered to a charitable organisation. I guess what I'm saying is allow myself time to assimilate into how the organisation works particularly if it is a well-run organsiation (which ours is) and find ways of incrementally increasing your contribution - you don't need to make an instantl effect, grow into the role.


5. What's the biggest challenge you have faced in your role?

Understanding how the Hospice works, standing back from management, being objective to allow an appropriate degree of detachment.


6. What do you consider to be the most satisfying aspect of your role?

Feeling that I'm beginning to make a difference with how the Hospice approaches governance - not that there was anything very much wrong with it in the first place. Observing the committment of the clinical staff, the pleasure that support staff take in working for the organisation and seeing how this translates into quite exceptional care for patients and their carers. Acting as an advocate for the Hospice..


7. Do you think there is enough general recognition of the value of the trustee/chair role?

Within the Hospice at Senior Management level - yes The rest of the organisation - less so, certain roles are very appreciative. I don't think its important that everyone has a clear understanding of the role of the Trustee. General public - possibly associate the name as signfiying importance but again I don't think that it matters if they don't understand the role.


8. (If you have been a trustee/chair for some time) have you felt that the demands made on trustees/chairs have grown over time?

Yes, but I'm quiet happy with that currently. Being retired I'm fortunate to have the time to give to Farleigh


9. What do you think is the ideal term of office that a trustee/chair could serve?

Probably five years or until enthusiasm, physical and mental ability declines to the point when the role becomes a burden or he/she/Chair recognises they are not contributing.


10. What tip would you give to a new trustee/chair?

Go for it


11. If you weren't a trustee/chair, what would you do with that extra time?

Possibly as a volunteer at Farleigh in some capacity.


12. What steps do you take to increase/retain your organisation's membership?

I sit on the Members Steering Group and we are currently embarking on the process to recruit into vacant Trustee positions. I try and act as an advocate for Farleigh when the opportunty presents itself to encourage friends etc to visit Farleigh, to engage in fundraising events etc


13. What question do you want to ask next week's trustee?

I would wish to know why they wanted to become a Trustee, their particular skills and experience and what they knew already about Farleigh.

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