Wessex Charity Awards 2009

Trustee Board of the Year

In February 2009, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice was awarded Trustee Board of the Year at the brand new Wessex Charity Awards.

During 2007/2008, the Hospice’s Trustee Board reviewed objectives and created a new five-year strategy to ensure the successful development of the Hospice. The strategy addresses key areas across the operation of the service and has fostered a new spirit of teamwork and co-operation across the diverse activities of the Hospice.

In just one year, the new strategy is showing tangible results with the re-opening of two closed beds and a shift in funding operational costs. All targets across the plan have been met and other positive effects of the Trustees’ actions are an improvement in staff morale, and more strategic and effective board meetings.

The Board enjoys a low Trustee turnover, which helps to provide continuity in its approach to strategy and governance. Having said that, they have a good succession plan in place for Trustees, reflected in the fact that three new Trustees have recently been appointed following a recruitment and selection process that added new and specific skills to the Board.

The Judges were particularly impressed by the way in which the actions of the Trustee Board had a clear and immediate impact on the operations of the Hospice, and felt their experience provided a good example of Best Practice in governance.