PROSPECT Hospice is looking for a new figurehead to lead its trustees when chairman David Barrand steps down after a decade on the board.

The charity, which relies on public donations to provide end of life care to thousands of people in Swindon and North Wiltshire, is seeking three new trustees to help to give it a new strategic direction in the future.

Director of people Jo Hollingsworth explained: “Our board of trustees is integral to the running of the hospice and our members have a range of skills and expertise that they bring to the table to help steer the charity, ensuring excellent end of life care for our patients.”

“As with all boards, trustees are with us for a certain number of years and while it’s always sad to say goodbye to experienced trustees who have worked incredibly hard for us, it does provide the opportunity to bring in new people with a fresh perspective.

"It also means that some new people have the opportunity to take on this incredibly rewarding role and make a real difference to the communities we serve.”

As well as a new chairman the hospice is looking for two trustees who have experience in the medical profession, nursing and governance.

In 2020 the hospice, which needs around £8m a year to operate, supported almost 2,500 patients and their families. It was made possible by the 250 staff and 850 volunteers who support the service in a range of ways including raising funds and caring for patients.

One of the current trustees, Sarah Jones, who has been on the board since 2018, said: “It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience for me so far. Being able to share my knowledge and skills to support them and see the charity thrive, especially through the pandemic, is something really special."

“The work of Prospect Hospice was well known to me through friends and colleagues who have experienced their care and support. I was keen to get involved in becoming a trustee to support a local charity providing such excellent and critical support to my community. I felt I could give my time and experience to help the charity continue its excellent work by being involved at the core.”

For more information about the role visit .prospect-hospice.net. Applications close on March 26.