When we think about Barnsley Hospice, we often picture the people providing care, supporting families or raising the funds that make our services possible. But behind the scenes, another group of volunteers plays an important role in helping the hospice continue its work: our Board of Trustees.
This Trustees’ Week (9–13 November 2026), we’re celebrating the time, skills and experience our Trustees give voluntarily, while taking a closer look at who they are, what they do and why their contribution matters.
What does being a Trustee involve?
Trustees are responsible for the overall governance of a charity. This means making sure Barnsley Hospice operates responsibly, meets its legal obligations and remains focused on its charitable purpose.
Their key responsibilities include:
- Strategic direction: Helping shape the hospice’s long-term priorities.
- Financial oversight: Making sure charitable resources are managed responsibly.
- Risk management: Overseeing risks that could affect the organisation.
- Accountability: Ensuring the charity meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities.
- Support and challenge: Reviewing performance, asking questions and holding leadership accountable.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes, through reviewing reports, considering important decisions and working together to protect the hospice’s future.
Different experiences, shared purpose
Our Trustees bring a wide range of professional backgrounds, skills and personal experiences to Barnsley Hospice, from finance, healthcare and business leadership to communications, retail, health and safety, and risk management.
Each Trustee volunteers their time and expertise alongside their professional and personal commitments, bringing different perspectives to Board discussions and helping make informed decisions about the hospice’s future.
Meet Emily Huby, one of our newest Trustees
Emily Huby joined the Board of Trustees in September 2026, bringing both professional expertise and a personal connection to Barnsley Hospice.
Her mum received end of life care at the hospice in 2021, and since then, Emily has continued to support the charity in her memory, including running the London Marathon in 2023 to raise funds.
Now, she’s decided to give back in another way, volunteering her time as a Trustee and bringing nine years of experience in health and safety, alongside a master’s degree in health psychology, to the Board.
As Emily explains: “Working in social housing, I understand the importance of the Board and when this position came up, I knew I had a relevant skillset and passion to make a difference.”
Emily’s experience highlights that you don’t need previous Board experience to become a Trustee. What matters is bringing relevant skills, different perspectives and a willingness to learn, united by a shared commitment to supporting Barnsley Hospice and our community.
Helping shape our future
As an independent charity, Barnsley Hospice must raise approximately £3.6 million through fundraising and other charitable income each year.
Our Trustees play an important role in making sure the hospice’s resources are managed responsibly and decisions remain focused on our charitable purpose. So, this Trustees’ Week, we’re recognising the contribution of every member of our Board and thanking them for the time, skills and experience they give voluntarily.
At Barnsley Hospice, our Trustees give their time, skills and experience voluntarily, helping guide the hospice’s future, oversee governance and ensure we remain focused on providing the best possible care and support for our community. This year, we want to celebrate the contribution of our Trustees, while helping everyone better understand who they are, what they do and the people behind the roles.
On behalf of the Executive Leadership Team, I’d like to thank Paul, June and all our Trustees for their continued time, commitment and support in helping shape the future of Barnsley Hospice.”
Ross Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer
Learn more about the people behind our Board by visiting our Meet the Team page and following our Trustees’ Week content across social media.
