Trustees’ Week runs this year from Monday 4^th to Friday 8^th November. It is an annual celebration which offers the chance to showcase the great work that Trustees do.

Trustees make up the governing body of a charity and are ultimately responsible for how their respective organisations run. Trustees play a vital role, coming together to make important decisions about their charity’s work and overseeing aims and objectives, governance, and overall strategic direction.

Guild Care is an ambitious and thriving charity. We are committed to improving and transforming the lives of frail older people, those living with dementia, their carers, and people with learning disabilities within Worthing and its surrounding areas.

Percy Nowell, one of our valued Trustees, with Worthing's Town Crier, Bob Smytherman

Our Board of Trustees is currently made up of 10 individuals, whose collective experience encompasses finance, legal, enterprise, healthcare and marketing.

Rita Protopapa, who has a background in NHS management, joined the Guild Care Board last year. She wanted to contribute to a local organisation during her career break.

She said: “The Trustee role is rewarding and challenging in a positive way, because Guild Care is a complex and high profile charity, which offers wide ranging services in the community. I enjoy when I actively contribute to Board discussions in a constructive way and I really like the events where I can be face-to-face with the residents or with any person who benefits from the charity’s services. Here, I can perceive the real difference that Guild Care makes to their lives.”

Trustees commit approximately 20 hours of their time per month and attend 12 regular board meetings throughout the year. These individuals often take on the role to 'give something back', allowing charities to benefit from their range of skills and experience.

The former Mayor of Worthing, Cllr Paul Baker, had chosen Guild Care’s specialist dementia care home, Haviland House, as one of his three charities during his term in office. He is now a valued Trustee.

Cllr Paul Baker with his wife, Sandra

He said: "Having been involved in Guild Care as both Deputy Mayor and Mayor, I had the chance to witness the fantastic work carried out by Guild Care for the community of Worthing. When I was asked if I was interested in becoming a Trustee, I was only too pleased to put myself forward.

“In my opinion, Guild Care is the only Worthing charity that encompasses everyone from five to old age with so many different aspects of help offered. I really enjoy getting involved with the magnificent hard-working staff and meeting the service users and family members, helping where I can.

“As a Trustee, my role involves an overview and scrutiny to ensure that the decisions made by the Senior Management Team are taking the charity in the right direction to deliver the first-class service levels it has always been known for. Being a Trustee and a councillor gives me the opportunity to do community service and hopefully make a difference."

If you would like more information on being a Trustee at Guild Care in the future, call Nicola Sampson on 01903 528600 or get in touch with her via email: [email protected].