Trustees’ Week - 6 to 10 November – Introducing Tracey Dickens

Our eleven trustees each make a valuable contribution to Farleigh. They bring their own talents, viewpoints and experiences to the Board and their individual committees, to support us in achieving our objectives. During National Trustees’ Week we have been celebrating their achievements, along with the other one million trustees across the UK.

Here, we talk to Tracey Dickens – a trustee since 2023 and a member of the Board of Local Hospice Lottery Ltd.

What is your professional background?

I am a Solicitor and Partner at Birkett Long LLP, specialising in Commercial and Corporate Finance work and GP partnerships, I head up the Commercial Department for the firm, also sitting on its Oversight Board. Before becoming a solicitor, I was a Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer in the NHS, worked for BT in estates management and in the communications team of a London insurance company. I am also a former trustee of another local hospice, being there for 12 years.

What is your role within Farleigh Hospice?

I am a trustee on the main board of Farleigh Hospice and also on the board of Local Hospice Lottery Ltd, a subsidiary company that operates Farleigh Hospice’s lottery, and runs lotteries for many other hospices around the country.

The focus of my role, along with the other trustees, is to advance the purposes of Farleigh Hospice and make sure it is well run. The role also involves overseeing the activities of the charity to ensure it complies with its governing documents and the law and that its resources are managed responsibly.

What motivated you to become a trustee at Farleigh Hospice?

I have a strong belief in a society that assists people to die with dignity in their preferred setting, which is why I have been drawn to becoming a trustee in the Hospice sector. It is a privilege to be invited to be a trustee of Farleigh Hospice, which is such a key organisation in the Mid-Essex community

How do you think your skills and experience (will) best add value?

I understand the challenges that Hospices face and bring the ability to analyse risk in a pragmatic way, assisting the organisation in its decision-making and supporting the Executive Team, while ensuring the hospice remains well run, a key duty of a trustee.

What is the most important thing to you when you are acting in your role as a trustee?

The ability to properly consider and debate ideas and issues with the other trustees and executives, so we know there has been robust scrutiny to make an informed decision on all relevant matters.

What contribution to Farleigh are you most proud of?

Having regular involvement in board meetings and away days.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I am a keen golfer and enjoy golfing holidays and breaks with my husband. I also love rock and blues music and going to concerts. Travelling is another passion, particularly road trips, when younger on the back of a motorbike, and, now older, in cars, usually aligned with the places we visit. Ford mustang for an American deep south music related tour and an Alpha Romeo for a recent top to bottom tour of Italy.

To find out more about Tracey and our other trustees, please visit Trustees - Farleigh Hospice