Tell us about your job working in fundraising? What’s your typical day/week
My job is to look after and recruit corporate supporters who have multiple operations across the South West. It is a wonderful opportunity to inspire widespread regional teams to have a shared cause in supporting CHSW Children’s Hospice South West right across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.
I also look after many programmes and initiatives including our Business Club which is a fantastic community of like-minded businesses who are very supportive of CHSW.
What do you enjoy most about working at CHSW and/or in fundraising?
I feel privileged to meet so many brave, kind, and caring people who all share a passion for helping children with life- limiting illnesses and their families. It is truly inspirational.
When I meet with current and prospective supporters, it’s really rewarding when they wholeheartedly understand our mission and want to get involved.
What motivated you to apply to your role?
Having not previously worked in fundraising before, I was unsure whether I would be able to fulfil the requirements of the role. I was, however, keen to work for an organisation that 'gave back' and knew CHSW to be a kind and caring employer. I was also hopeful that my private sector business development skills would be transferable for the job.
At CHSW, staff, families, supporters and volunteers are all treated with the utmost care and respect – it is a truly wonderful place to work, and I am so pleased that I decided to apply for the role.
How did you become a Regional Partnerships Fundraiser? What job were you doing before?
Much of my career has been in international business development. I have travelled extensively across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
In later years, I decided to pursue my passion for foreign languages and founded my own language tuition business teaching business French, German, and Russian to SW corporates. When Covid 19 struck, however, suddenly after 5 years in business, my corporate clients had to cancel our contracts. I decided to use this opportunity to go in a new direction where my business development and planning skills would be useful and beneficial, and I would have a role with real purpose.
I had already supported CHSW for more than 10 years via the lottery and saw the chance to get more involved. It was the best decision ever!
What would you say are the skills you need to do your job? Have you learnt any new skills since being in post?
My role is varied and collaborative, therefore, key skills that are needed include research, planning, communicating, emotional intelligence, and project management.
Being new to the fundraising sector has been a steep learning curve for me, but fortunately at CHSW I am surrounded by colleagues with ample experience, patience, and a great sense of humour to help me on my journey. I absolutely love my job.
If you could do another job within CHSW for the day, what would it be?
I recently completed a care shift day at Little Bridge House; our hospice in North Devon. This was a wonderful opportunity to observe our amazing care team at work as well as meet a family we were looking after. It was a truly humbling and inspiring experience which I would be keen to do again. It demonstrated the breadth of support and care that our fantastic care team provides to families of children with life-limiting illnesses. The compassion, patience, attentiveness, teamwork, kindness, and utter professionalism of the care team was wonderful to witness.
How does it feel to be a part of the CHSW family?
When I tell people that I work for CHSW I can’t help but beam with pride. It is a privilege and joy to be part of an organisation whose sole remit is to help others in need.
Tell us anything else you love about your role/CHSW...
When I have given talks to supporters, it’s not unusual for audience members to seek me out afterwards and thank us for helping somebody dear to them, often sharing personal stories about the help and care they received at one of our hospices.
CHSW holds a very special place in many peoples’ hearts, and it’s an honour to be part of that family.
What attracted you to a role in CHSW/fundraising?
I was already familiar with CHSW, but wasn’t sure if my private sector skills and experience would transfer across. I needn’t have worried though as the team is extremely supportive and my skills seem to complement those of the team really well.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Working with larger business partners, visiting different parts of the South West, and working as part of an amazing team that is focused on helping families that need our help.
3 words to describe CHSW?
Supportive, caring, home- from- home.
What inspires you in your working life?
Knowing that what I am doing is making a difference to families who are struggling.
What are the best things about being part of CHSW and/or the care team?
Teamwork, integrity and authenticity.