What is a trustee?

But what is a trustee?

At Demelza, the senior leadership team (including the CEO and directors) are not the legal directors of the organisation - the trustees are. Trustees carry the ultimate legal responsibility and authority for the charity.

Trustees oversee the strategic direction and governance of an organisation. They ensure it is legally compliant, financially sound, and delivering on its mission — while delegating day-to-day operations to the senior leadership team. Our trustees:

• Provide strategic oversight, setting long-term direction and priorities.
  
  
• Hold legal and financial responsibility and ensure compliance with laws and responsible use of resources.
  
  
• Sign off key decisions, such as approval of budgets, strategy, and core policies (e.g. financial reserves, scheme of delegation).
  
  
• Delegate daily operations and entrust the CEO and directors (senior leadership team) with managing day-to-day activities.
  
  
• Monitor performance through reviewing of reports and outcomes to ensure effective delivery.
  
  
• Safeguard assets, such as property, finances and reputation.
  
  
• Act in the best interests of Demelza's beneficiaries (including CYP/families) and make decisions that support those the organisation serves.
  
  
• Ensure accountability by holding senior leadership to account through regular review and governance.

Who are Demelza’s trustees? 

Our trustees are a fascinating group of people who come from a diverse range of careers and we’re so grateful to them for sharing their wide-ranging insight and expertise. Our trustees include an RAF pilot, an FA qualified coach, a paediatric doctor and a knight, so it’s quite the eclectic bunch!

Meet our newest trustee, Ziggie Singh, who has shared what it means to be a trustee.

“It’s an incredible honour to have joined the Board of Trustees at Demelza. This opportunity marks a personal and purposeful journey for me—one that I will approach with profound humility and a strong sense of responsibility. I see this role not simply as a set of duties, but as a chance to contribute meaningfully to a cause rooted in compassion, dignity and hope.

Demelza’s mission—to support children with serious or life-limiting conditions resonates deeply with me. The work carried out by the hospice is nothing short of extraordinary, and I am committed to helping ensure that every child and family who turns to Demelza receives the highest standard of care, emotional support and respect.

In this role, I am eager to learn from the dedicated staff, my fellow trustees and the families who are the very heart of Demelza. Their courage and strength are a constant source of inspiration. I believe that trustees have a vital role to play in safeguarding the charity’s values, shaping its strategic direction, and ensuring its long-term sustainability. I am ready to engage with complex and sensitive issues, bringing empathy, focus, and integrity to the conversations that matter most.

My background has taught me the importance of listening deeply, acting thoughtfully and leading with purpose. I hope to bring these qualities to my work with Demelza, contributing to a culture of openness, collaboration and continuous improvement. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that the voices of families and children are heard and reflected in every decision we make.

Ultimately, my hope is to play a meaningful part in Demelza’s future—working alongside a remarkable team to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, I believe we can help families create lasting memories, offer comfort during the most challenging times, and ensure that every child can live the best life they can, surrounded by love and care.”