Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June 2026) is a national celebration of the people who give their time, skills and experience to support charities and communities across the UK.
At Pilgrims Hospices, we are proud to recognise not only our volunteers across all our services and shops, but also the dedicated trustees who play a vital role in guiding our charity.
Our trustees are unpaid volunteers who share their time, expertise and leadership to help ensure Pilgrims Hospices can continue to provide compassionate end‑of‑life care across east Kent. They are responsible for the charity’s strategic direction, governance and long‑term sustainability, working alongside our Executive Team to uphold our values and make sure every decision keeps patients and families at the heart of what we do.
Trustees bring a wide range of professional skills, lived experience and personal commitment. As volunteers, they give their time freely to attend meetings, provide challenge and oversight, and support Pilgrims Hospices to remain strong, financially secure and responsive to the needs of our community.
During Volunteers’ Week, we want to say thank you to all our trustees – past and present – for their dedication, governance expertise and unwavering support. Their contribution often happens behind the scenes, but it makes a lasting difference to the care we can provide every day.
Interested in becoming a Volunteer Trustee?
As a trustee with Pilgrims Hospices, you will be responsible for protecting and enhancing our charity’s reputation, whilst also ensuring all service users receive the best possible support at the time they need it the most.
You will provide an invaluable service to your community. You will use your experience to guide the strategic direction of one of the most respected healthcare charities in the country, and be accountable for its delivery in the future.
We are looking to strengthen our Board with a mix of skills and experience and would welcome applications from a range of experiences.
We believe our Board should be truly representative and inclusive of the communities we serve; we welcome applicants of all abilities and backgrounds, and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities, particularly applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and disabled candidates. We are committed to equality and diversity across the charity, including the Board of Trustees.
Whatever your professional background, duty of care will be at the heart of everything you do, and you will be committed to upholding our service standards to the highest level.
Volunteers’ Week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. The celebration starts on the first Monday in June every year. It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.
3rd November 2025
Trustees Week 2025: Celebrating the contribution of Pilgrims Hospices volunteer board members
As part of Trustees’ Week, Pilgrims Hospices is celebrating the contribution of its volunteer board members who help guide and strengthen the charity’s work across east Kent.
Simon Perks, who retired from Pilgrims Hospices Board of Trustees at the end of September 2025 after 11 years of service, reflects on his time with Pilgrims, sharing personal insights about the challenges and achievements that have shaped both his journey and the hospice’s.
What inspired you to become a trustee of Pilgrims Hospices?
It was not so much that I was inspired; rather, another trustee asked me if I would join – these were the days before applications and interviews (I hasten to add that the introduction of these is a very good thing!). I was in full-time work and don’t feel, regrettably, that I was able to give the time to being a trustee that was really needed. This probably says more about my time management than anything else. While I hope my input was of some benefit during that time, in the five years I have been retired it has been a real joy to be able to get more involved.
Simon with his sister, Juliet, at Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge 2024
How has your perspective of hospice care evolved during your time as a trustee?
Having spent my working life in the NHS, I am ashamed to admit that I now realise how little I knew about hospice care, and specifically the importance of hospices being independent of the NHS. That independence, although sometimes financially challenging, gives the hospice a creativity and flexibility that I had not anticipated. Its charitable status also fosters a commitment from staff and a connection with the community that it serves that should always be cherished.
Is there a particular moment or achievement that stands out for you during your time as a trustee?
Not specifically, but there are two changes that I have observed that I believe are important. The first is the way the running of the hospice is organised. This may sound rather dry and managerial, but the way the hospice runs its affairs has been considerably strengthened in recent years. The benefits are clear; for example, the hospice is in a much stronger financial position (despite all the pressures that everyone is facing) than it has been for many years.
Further, the hospice has built on its scope and expertise to develop innovative care programmes such as Think, Talk, Act that directly address long-standing unmet needs of both patients and their families.
What will you miss most about being involved with the hospices?
Working in the NHS, I literally met thousands of doctors, nurses and support staff of all kinds over the years. The dedication, commitment, resourcefulness, creativity and compassion that I have consistently witnessed among Pilgrims staff is quite exceptional. I only regret not having been involved in more ‘Board Walks’ over the years; I always met inspirational people doing wonderful things in their daily work.
What advice would you give to hospice leaders and trustees about navigating future changes in the sector?
I have always believed that the patients, families and friends that Pilgrims care for, and support, are best served by the hospice working really closely with other care organisations and partners. This includes not only local NHS and social services, but also other hospices in Kent.
The hospice’s services will have their widest impact if Pilgrims is clearly a key partner with every agency involved in a person’s end-of-life care. Also, we have knowledge and expertise that others can learn from, and we should be able to share this as widely as possible. Much has been achieved in meeting these aims, and I am sure they remain key to successfully navigating future changes.
If you could change one thing about the way hospices are supported or funded, what would it be?
The fact that so much of the hospice’s work is funded by the generosity of the people of east Kent, whom Pilgrims serves, is a vital part of what makes Pilgrims so important to the community. Having said this, we have tried to increase the money Pilgrims receives from the NHS for the services it provides, and I hope that funding will increase in the future.
What message would you like to leave for trustees, staff, volunteers, and supporters of the hospice?
I know in the thick of the daily work routine, whether you work in an office, on the wards or in people’s homes, it can sometimes feel tough. But what I hope every single person working with Pilgrims – whether paid staff, volunteer, or even trustee – can always hold onto is that they are making a difference every single day and what they do really matters. I know this because, as many of us will have experienced, I talk to neighbours and friends whose lives have been touched by the work of Pilgrims Hospices.
And finally, you have been an active supporter of our challenge events. Will we still see you at future events?
Definitely. My wife Gill and I have already signed up for the Santa run; this will be our third time, and I hope I don’t lose my Santa trousers halfway round as I have before! We also both took part in the annual Cycle Challenge in May this year, completing 50 miles; we’re hoping to do the 75-mile route in 2026.
These are excellent events, so well organised, really sociable and a great way to support Pilgrims.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
4th November 2024
“Being a Trustee has never been more important” – Meet Karen Warden, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Pilgrims Hospices
To celebrate Trustees’ Week 2024 at Pilgrims Hospices, we caught up with Karen Warden, Chair of the Board of Trustees, who shared what she enjoys about her role.
With so much in the news about the future funding of hospice care, the need for Trustee Boards to support, as well as challenge their leadership teams at their hospice, has never been more important.
I have been a Trustee at Pilgrims Hospices for over six years, and Chair of the Board for four years. I am aware that trustees will always think that their charity is the most important, or their cause the most vital, and that can sometimes make it hard to share views or seek out opinions on challenges faced. My experience of the hospice community has always been very different.
Karen at Pilgrims Hospices 40th birthday celebration in 2022
Everyone involved in hospices, from Trustees to CEOs, clinicians and volunteers alike, have open and honest dialogue, share challenges and triumphs, and we collaborate as much as we can. This is because we are all ‘in it together’ to provide more and better end-of-life care to every patient, every family, every time they need us.
During my time as a Trustee and Chair of the Board, I have learnt a lot from my fellow Trustees, CEO and Executive Management Team, and staff and volunteers right across our charity. I have also had the privilege of joining and attending the regional Hospice UK’s Chair’s Group, of which I now am now Chair, I sit on Hospice UK’s Board of Chair’s Council and attend Hospice UK’s Annual Conference.
From discussions both within Pilgrims Hospices and those externally, it is clear that hospices still need to remember that people don’t always understand what a hospice actually ‘does’, or indeed the range and scope of the charity, thus a potential trustee may not always be aware of the contribution that they could make to a hospice.
I also strongly believe that trustees should have planned development and support during their term in office, just as they would have if they were employed by the charity or by another organisation. At Pilgrims Hospices, we strive to offer this development to trustees. We have an annual meeting with the Executive Management Team to set strategic objectives, which gives the Board an opportunity to understand how our strategy becomes reality. We have regular Board Walks at each of our three hospice sites, when trustees can talk to staff on an informal basis about their work and their daily challenges. These Board Walks also give us, the Trustees, invaluable insight into the work of the charity. Many of us take part in and support our fundraising events, donate and buy in our shops and play our lottery, so we better understand how three quarters of our income is generated. Although none of these are the formal training that some may recognise from the “workplace”, we learn a lot about the hospice through these interactions. As such, I am better informed and am able to contribute to Board-level decisions that are right for my hospice.
The number of opportunities and potential collaborations are increasing for hospices, as are the range of day-to-day challenging operational issues such as the future funding of hospice care I mentioned at the beginning of this article, and in addition to attracting qualified, dedicated staff and volunteers to keep our services running, it seems fair to say that, for our trustees, ‘wanting to do good’ is not enough anymore. Certainly in 2024 and beyond, hospices, indeed all charities, need trustees who are prepared to be accountable.To do this appropriately, I believe trustees should be actively engaged with their charity and informed by interacting with a range of a charity’s stakeholders. As such, I’m indebted to my fellow trustees for their commitment, hard work and insightful support, often undertaken in addition to a demanding day job!
In summary, I think that being a Trustee and also Chair of Pilgrims Hospices has never been more important, interesting, or rewarding, but, if I am honest, in the current political and economic climate, it can be challenging.
Trustees’ Week is a time for us to come together to celebrate the achievements of nearly one million trustees across the UK. We thank them for the time, commitment, and effort they bring to their charities to help them thrive.
1st November 2024
Celebrating Trustees’ Week – 4-8 November 2024
At Pilgrims Hospices, our trustees are responsible for the strategic direction of the charity.
Our Trustee Board work with the Executive Management Team to oversee every aspect of Pilgrims work, from caring for our patients and their families, to fundraising in the community.
All our trustees have specialist knowledge, from medical and clinical to legal, business development and marketing. As a collective, our Trustee Board apply their knowledge, steering the strategic direction of the hospice.
As Trustees’ Week 2024 approaches, we have been talking to one of our trustees, Elizabeth Sharp. With a background as a consultant surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, specialising in breast and skin cancer, Elizabeth has a wealth of medical experience, which she is able to draw on and share with her fellow trustee colleagues accordingly.
Reflecting on her role, Elizabeth shared:
“Being a trustee is an interesting, although sometimes challenging role. As trustees, we work collaboratively to support our CEO and leadership team. We are here to have open, honest, dialogue, share triumphs and, when we need to, we challenge the leadership team. This helps to shape our collective thinking, ensuring that everything we do is in line with the overarching strategic direction of the hospice.
“There is always something new to learn; in my case, I’ve learnt a lot about income generation, and despite the current funding challenges that all hospices are facing, I find the role of being a trustee extremely rewarding.”
This Trustees’ Week, we extend our thanks to Elizabeth and all our trustees, who play a role in shaping the future of hospice care in east Kent.
Trustees’ Week is a time for us to come together to celebrate the achievements of nearly one million trustees across the UK. We thank them for the time, commitment, and effort they bring to their charities to help them thrive.
4th June 2024
Celebrating volunteer Dr Peter Biggs, a Trustee and a pillar of support at Pilgrims Hospices
Volunteers’ Week, celebrated between 3 and 9 of June 2024, serves as a poignant reminder of the immeasurable value volunteers bring to various organisations, charities and communities. It’s a time to express gratitude for their tireless efforts and to raise awareness about the transformative power of volunteering.
Dr Peter Biggs, a retired GP with an illustrious career spanning 42 years in Canterbury, found himself drawn to the mission of Pilgrims Hospices after witnessing the vital role they played in providing specialised care to terminally ill patients. Reflecting on his journey, Peter shares, “I saw the growing work at the hospice over the years. Without the special care, terminal care would have been very much secondary. I wanted to continue to support a service that I very much valued.”
His path to volunteering with Pilgrims Hospices began serendipitously, as he recalls, “I was looking for something where I could use my experience in a way that I thought would be valuable for people, and the hospice came along just at the right time.” Encouraged by his wife to explore volunteering opportunities, Peter found himself drawn to the role of trustee when Pilgrims Hospices put out a call for applicants.
I saw the growing work at the hospice over the years. Without the special care, terminal care would have been very much secondary. I wanted to continue to support a service that I very much valued.
Dr Peter Biggs
As a trustee, Peter assumes a multifaceted role, overseeing, supporting, and advocating for the patients, their families, and the broader community. Contrary to common misconceptions, trusteeship entails more than just governance; it involves offering guidance and support to the executive team while championing the interests of the community.
One aspect that sets Pilgrims Hospices apart is its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, evident not only in its volunteer base but also in its board of trustees. Peter highlights the diverse expertise among the trustees, celebrating the depth of understanding it brings to addressing various issues, a model he believes other organisations could learn from.
In his role, Peter has witnessed first-hand the profound impact of Pilgrims Hospices’ volunteer-driven initiatives. From fundraising events to community outreach programs, he has seen the transformative power of volunteerism in action. “The team at Pilgrims couldn’t do the valuable work they do, without the support of our amazing volunteers,” he emphasises.
With a wide variety of volunteering opportunities, if you want to do somethingincredibly rewarding and valuable, Pilgrims Hospices is a good place to be.
Dr Peter Biggs
“I’ve found Pilgrims to be a passionate supportive community of staff, volunteers, and one that is welcoming to all. With a wide variety of volunteering opportunities, if you want to do somethingincredibly rewarding and valuable, Pilgrims Hospices is a good place to be.
“I’m delighted to say I took part in the Pilgrims Golf Day fundraiser last year, and thrilled to be on the winning team, this year my wife and I will be taking part in the Pilgrims Way Challenge walk. As part of my role as a trustee, I’ve also visited a number of the hospice shops and experienced the wonderful warmth of the volunteers that work within them.”
Peter’s journey as a volunteer at Pilgrims Hospices has been one of profound fulfilment and growth. Through his experiences, Peter underscores the importance of open dialogue surrounding end-of-life care and the need for continued support for hospice services.
This Volunteers’ Week, let us join together in celebrating individuals like Dr Peter Biggs, whose selfless dedication and unwavering commitment enrich the lives of those they serve. In honouring their contributions, we acknowledge the transformative power of volunteering and the profound difference it makes in our communities.
Volunteers’ Week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. The celebration starts on the first Monday in June every year. It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
6th November 2023
Simon Perks: A Trustee’s journey at Pilgrims Hospices – Celebrating Trustees’ Week
Trustees’ Week 6-10 November 2023 – a time for us to come together, to celebrate the achievements of nearly one million Trustees across the UK.
Simon Perks, a Trustee for Pilgrims Hospices, shares his insights and experiences on the occasion of Trustees’ Week. With nine years of service under his belt, he sheds light on his journey and the significance of being a Trustee for this beloved local charity.
Simon’s journey as a Trustee began when he was working for the local NHS, where he recognised the invaluable contribution Pilgrims Hospices made in supporting, and caring for the people of east Kent. His background in clinical services, and a desire to ensure the hospices’ services met local needs inspired him to join as a Trustee. His aim was to help the hospices’ develop services that not only catered to diverse local populations, but also seamlessly connected with other healthcare services, ensuring easy referrals for those in need of palliative or end-of-life care.
He believes that everyone, Trustees included, play a role in ensuring that hospice services reflect the local community. He personally fulfils this role by meeting with staff, and occasionally interacting with patients. He has lived in east Kent for almost 28 years, and as the Chair of the Clinical Services Development Committee, he sees his role as one of support and challenge in encouraging hospice staff to ensure their plans extend their services to as many people as possible, and reach those who may not typically seek hospice care.
One way Simon and his fellow Trustees have amplified the voices of those served by Pilgrims Hospices, is by supporting the development of new services such as our Think, Talk Act services. These services have been developed to ensure that we can work with NHS GP’s in Primary Care, to identify those who may be coming to the end of their life, and ensure they have care plans in place, and access to Pilgrims Services. A strength of Pilgrims Hospices lies in its Trustees’ ability to collaborate effectively. With a diverse range of backgrounds, they come together to hopefully make informed, collective decisions to help navigate challenging conditions. Most recently they have supported improvement in the hospices’ financial position and the continued development of clinical services.
Simon’s favourite aspect of being a Pilgrims Trustee is witnessing the charity’s continuing growth and the enthusiasm with which new service ideas are developed. He’s inspired by the charity’s ability to identify needs, innovate, and implement them in the face of common challenges.
It is a privilege to play a small part in a charity that is so important to the people of east Kent
Simon Perks
For Simon, Pilgrims means a great deal, as it is a vital part of the east Kent community. Many residents are familiar with Pilgrims through the care they provide to loved ones, donation pots in local stores and community areas, Pilgrims’ shops, and fundraising events. The fact that Pilgrims is funded by local communities and services developed and delivered to meet the needs of the people of east Kent makes it truly special.
To ensure that the Board of Trustees decisions and actions reflect the diverse perspectives and needs of the community Pilgrims Hospices serves, Simon acknowledges the ongoing challenge of understanding the intricacies of those needs. Trustees must continue to challenge each other and the Executive Management Team, to ensure the future sustainability of Pilgrims.
Over his long tenure as a Trustee, Simon has witnessed numerous positive changes, including the future of the Canterbury hospice and the incredible COVID-19 response from hospice staff. Looking ahead, he aspires for Pilgrims to further engage with a wide range of stakeholders to develop future services that will meet the needs of both our current and future beneficiaries. As for the evolving role of Trustees, Simon hopes they will focus on clinical and care aspects, and find ways to better listen to the community’s needs.
Everyone, Trustees included, play a role in ensuring that hospice services reflect the local community.
Simon Perks
To anyone considering becoming a Pilgrims Trustee in the future, Simon’s message is clear: “Do it.” It is a privilege to play a small part in a charity that is so important to the people of east Kent and embodies the best of the community’s values. Trustees like Simon are unsung heroes, dedicating their time and expertise to ensure that Pilgrims Hospices continues its mission of providing compassionate care and support for years to come. Applications are welcomed, especially from those with clinical, medical and nursing backgrounds. For those interested in a Trustee role with Pilgrims Hospices, please contact our Chair of Trustees, Karen Warden for an informal discussion at: [email protected]
Trustees’ Week, celebrated from November 6 to 10, is the perfect time to recognise their invaluable contributions.
Each year Pilgrims supports thousands of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end-of-life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
