Update from the Board of Trustees – March 2022
Dear Colleague,
Our Trustee Board Meeting took place on the 24th March 2022, at which Lynn presented a family story showing the benefit of our in-reach into Royal Preston Hospital. It is brilliant to see how we continue to develop and grow the services Derian House offers for the benefit of the families we serve across the region.
We received an update on the outcomes of the work that Turley have been undertaking with stakeholders with regard to the development of a new Wellbeing Centre. It was interesting to hear the varied feedback and interest in the plans we are proposing. Their work will allow us to review our options and agree on a way that we can further develop our offer to our children, young people and their families.
Lynn shared the challenges of continuing to manage the Hospice with COVID pressures and it was great to hear that we are maintaining activities. The family feedback continues to be amazing and the Board commends the work of everyone involved in-house, in the community and all the teams who keep the Hospice open and looking amazing – thank you for your continued hard work!
It was really encouraging to see our income for the first two months of 2022 is well ahead of budget and the Board recognises the excellent work in Fundraising, Marketing and Communications. It is also good to see other income streams such as that from NHS England and other statutory bodies increasing to more sustainable levels.
The time of the year has arrived when the Board undertakes the annual salary review and this was discussed in detail at the meeting. We are all experiencing the effects of COVID and the terrible events in Ukraine which are impacting on costs, especially fuel and the effect that this has on all other prices. The Board is also acutely aware that not only does this impact on our running costs but it impacts on you as individuals through your household budgets. The Board has confirmed an increase of 3% to take effect from the 1st April 2022. As most of you are ware, we keep a keen eye on how our pay award compares to the national NHS pay award in order that we can be competitive and so we have also committed to review our decision around September of this year.
It is great to see many of our events are back on for 2022 and the Trustees look forward to visiting and supporting those where possible. In April alone we have the wonderful National Garden Scheme Open Day on Sunday 3rd which is a great opportunity to showcase our gardens. The week after we have the well-known Stars and Cars event at Bolton Arena which is fully booked and certain to be both a huge success and a great fundraiser!
The start of 2022 has continued to be challenging however, with the amazing Derian Team spirit, we are confident that you will provide the very best care for all those families who need us so much.
The Board would like to thank everyone for their continued commitment and hard work.
Karen Swindley
Chair of Trustees