Trustees’ Week 2024

Barnsley Hospice is celebrating Trustees’ Week (4 – 8 November), and we are shining a spotlight on some of those who give up their time to sit on our Board of Trustees.

There are nearly one million trustees serving charities like ours across the UK, and this week especially, we are thanking all of our trustees for their commitment and dedication. Trustees are valuable volunteers who give up their time to ensure Barnsley Hospice meets all necessary legal requirements and provides the best possible service for local people.

Paul Hinchliffe joined the Board in the summer, saying: “Having been born, educated and lived in Barnsley all my life, and spent half my career working here too, I was keen to ‘give something back’ in the local community to which I owe so much.   Barnsley Hospice is a wonderful local organisation which provides support, care and love to local people and their families during the most challenging of times and so it fitted the bill perfectly.

“Our role is very much ‘hands off, eyes on’: ‘hands off’, as the day-to-day responsibility for running the Hospice is delegated to the executive leaders and their team; but ‘eyes on’ as we need to carefully monitor progress against the Hospice’s strategic plan, targets and objectives.”

As a former chartered accountant, Paul also puts his experience to use on the Finance and Resources Committee, which monitors and reviews the hospice’s financial performance. In his spare time, Paul loves singing and the great outdoors – but particularly when he can combine the two!

Supporting the hospice as a Specialist Advisor, Katie Roebuck said. “I’m from Barnsley and proud of my South Yorkshire roots. After a long career in the NHS, now as a director, I’ve seen just how essential compassionate, end-of-life care is. Several members of my family have been supported by the hospice over the years, and I feel privileged to give back to an organisation that has meant so much to us.

“With a background in healthcare, I bring experience in navigating complex systems, building strong teams, and making informed, strategic decisions. I want to use this to help guide Barnsley Hospice, ensuring it remains a trusted place of comfort, dignity, and care for our community. I’m especially keen to strengthen the hospice’s ties with local communities in Barnsley and South Yorkshire, helping raise awareness so more families understand the invaluable support available to them.

“Outside of work, my family and friends are what I treasure most. I’m married with a young child, and we love making memories together—whether it’s exploring somewhere new or simply enjoying chips on the moors, taking in the view. I’m a keen cook and baker, enjoy reading, and love live music. I’m also in the final stages of a master’s in Health and Care Leadership, which has been both challenging and rewarding, adding to my commitment to making a positive impact in healthcare.”