Dr Kershaw's Hospice, the borough's only provider of specialist palliative and end-of-life care, is seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees. The charity, based in Royton and serving communities across Oldham and surrounding areas, is particularly keen to hear from people with experience in medical, nursing, accounting, and retail roles, but also wants applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures to ensure its leadership truly reflects the community it supports.

The role offers a chance to play a meaningful part in the well-established hospice, helping guide decisions around strategy, finances, and services while gaining valuable experience and connections. Trustees are key to ensuring that the charity meets its legal and financial responsibilities and makes the most of its resources, all so that care for patients and families continues to run smoothly.

Dr Kershaw's provides free, specialist palliative and end-of-life care for adults with life-limiting illnesses, supporting patients and families not just within its 12-bed inpatient unit but also through its Caring Hands service, Hospice at Home support, and bereavement and wellbeing programmes. Behind the scenes, over 100 staff and more than 400 volunteers help keep these vital services running. Now, at a time of significant change and investment, the hospice is looking to strengthen its board as it plans for the future.

The commitment for trustees is around one day a month, with a mix of scheduled meetings and occasional workshops, making it a manageable way for local people to contribute their time and expertise. David Macdonald, chair of the Board of Trustees, said: "It really is an honour to serve and collaborate with Dr Kershaw's as a trustee. All of us on the Board get so much out of volunteering and seeing just how much of an impact the organisation has for patients and their families, friends and carers.

"We are looking for new members who will bring expertise and professional advice to meet the challenges of running such a vital operation. We particularly welcome applications from people with different lived experiences and cultural backgrounds; we are committed to equal opportunities for all."

Alongside the opportunity to give back, the role also offers personal benefits including career development, professional networking, and a strong sense of purpose. Anyone interested in finding out more or applying is encouraged to get in touch before the deadline on Thursday, April 30. For details on how to apply or to express interest, individuals can email the hospice directly.

Dr Kershaw's Hospice remains a cornerstone of the Oldham community, providing compassionate care for those with life-limiting conditions. By bringing new voices to the board, the hospice aims to ensure that its services continue to be first class and effective for all who need them. This recruitment drive highlights the important work that trustees do and the difference they can make in shaping care for years to come.