TREETOPS HOSPICE - Key Persons
Whilst studying Business, I decided that I was much better with people than with figures and specialised in Human Resources Management. On graduating, I became an HR management trainee with the Co-operative and trained in Recruitment, Welfare and Retirement, HR systems, Employee Relations and Employee Development. In my early career I specialised in the "softer" side of HR but later was appointed as an Employment Tribunal member and gained experience in the technical and legalistic aspects, a role that I still enjoy today. The Co-op enabled me to work in diverse business activities such as retail, logistics, banking, catering, pharmacy and funerals to name but a few! Over the years I worked my way up to be the Regional HR Operations Manager. I left after 25 years to help care for my Dad, returned as a field HR Manager and then, in 2008, retired to care for my Mum. Once arrangements were in place for Mum, it soon became clear that retirement and day time television is not for me and I was lucky enough to be offered a position at Treetops in 2013. In 2016 I was appointed HR Manager and assumed responsibility for Volunteer Services as well as Employee matters. I feel very privileged to work here and am proud to work for such a special organisation and with such a special team of staff and volunteers.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations & Compliance
I started my career training to be an architect but got side-tracked when I joined a company that offered a diverse range of building solutions that covered a varied array of services that make up a modern building infrastructure. Offering consultancy and turnkey solutions from IT to eco-friendly HVAC solutions. I decided that I had more of an interest in making a building work rather than fancy design and decided to become an engineer. It was a very interesting time in my career and allowed me to garner a wealth of knowledge in several areas. It gave me the chance to work with some great clients and after a six-year project for the University of Derby, being on the design team to transform a tired site into that required for a modern and vibrant campus, I was given the opportunity to work for them running and maintaining the infrastructure I had helped design and implement. A challenging and rewarding role responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of a diverse estate across the county with sites ranging from modern engineering blocks to grade 2 listed buildings. After 24 years at the University, I decided it was time for a change and a new challenge. Considering the charity sector providing care and essential services appealed to my desire to work for an organisation that was really making a difference for those most in need. Treetops gave me that opportunity and in August 2021 I took up my role to help the organisation deliver its exciting strategy to make us a leader in delivering a range of services for all those coping with end of life conditions.
I am a Social Worker by profession and have 30 years' experience as a manager of both teams and services in Derbyshire County Council's Adult Care Department. I have a wide range of experience from working in child protection, adult safeguarding and have worked with people from a variety of client groups. Throughout my social work career, I have always been committed to empowering people and providing services that are personalised. As a manager, I have always attempted to develop staff and to create a culture that promotes teamwork and support. Prior to my appointment, I have enjoyed a lengthy association with Treetops. I have always been passionate about providing first-class services to people and their families who have a life-shortening condition. We have to get it right for individuals and their loved ones as there is no second chance. People that come to us at their time of greatest need should expect the best care and support available. I served on the Board of Trustees for 22 years, 7 of which as Chair. During this time I saw Treetops grow from an organisation that provided 20 hours of Hospice at Home support per week to one that provides almost 900 hours a week. Throughout my time as a Trustee I was involved in establishing emotional support, therapeutic services and also the development of Hospice at Home. I am looking forward to the challenge of leading Treetops Hospice in the next stage of its development and am committed to maintaining our current services and excellent reputation in the community. I am proud to be part of the "Treetops' family".
Job Titles:
- Director of Clinical Services
During my career I have worked in front line services as a qualified Occupational Therapist within the fields of mental health, paediatrics and older people, in both acute and community settings. In later years, my focus has been on service improvement, redesign and innovation working at a senior management level in NHS organisations and for the Department of Health regionally. Prior to my current position I was working as the Senior Transformation Manager for End of Life Care with South Derbyshire clinical commissioning group (CCG). I am now the Director for Clinical Services at Treetops Hospice and work with a fantastic staff team delivering a range of services including Support and Information, Wellbeing Services, Hospice at Home and Therapeutic Services which include counselling and emotional support and Complementary Therapy. Throughout my career, I have worked either directly or indirectly with people at the end of their lives. My passion is to ensure that every person reaching the end of their life receives the care and support that they want and need at a time and place personal to them. At Treetops, we have been fortunate to be involved in some creative developments exploring the use of Personal Health Budgets to facilitate personalised care planning and more recently the development of Compassionate Communities.
I joined Treetops in October 2017 after working in finance roles within the private sector for a number of years. Although my role here is my first within the charity sector, I'm enjoying being able to play my part within an organisation that provides invaluable care and support for the local community that I've grown up in. I trained for my accountancy qualification with a local accountancy firm in Derby and qualified in 2005 as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW).
Job Titles:
- Director of Income Generation and Marketing
I love marketing and fundraising. In fact, I've worked in these areas for over 24 years. I'm showing my age now! I've had a brilliant career to date and this role at Treetops is definitely at the pinnacle. It's a charity that's very close to me heart; the care team has been there for me and my family. I've had a fun time over the years, I've developed teams large and small and I somehow became a chartered marketer along the way. I've worked for: a Midlands newspaper group, General Motors (much fun in new cars) and an IT company. This was before I decided to do something good for my community and I moved to Rainbows Children's Hospice, where I spent seven wonderful years. An international charity called the RAF Association then hunted me down. I was with them for four years before I found my dream job here. It's an amazing place and everyone should support it. For the volunteers out there, I've also volunteered. I was a non-executive Director for three years working with a large, regional CVS charity. Here's a fun tit-bit…I hold a world record for creating the world's biggest rainbow! If you ever need me, I'm available at scott@treetops.org.uk or on 0115 9491264.