Small changes, big impact in dementia care

The Josie Sara Charity for Dementia Wellbeing specialises in affordable design improvements to support people living with dementia. Dementia affects how individuals perceive and navigate their environment, but thoughtful design can reduce confusion, promote independence, and restore confidence.

Simple changes, like using contrasting colours for stair nosings, light switches and furniture can greatly improve visual clarity. Clear signage, decluttered spaces and non-reflective flooring also help reduce disorientation. Even placing a chair in a long corridor can aid with orientation and provide comfort.

The charity’s Inspiration Kit offers practical suggestions for care homes, many of which can be applied to private homes. The designs are subtle, unobtrusive, and aesthetically pleasing for everyone.

The charity also created a dementia-friendly garden at a Wirral care home, promoting wellbeing through safe access to nature.

Explore the Inspiration Kit and more at: www.josiesaracharity.org.

posted 6 October 2025

Jennifer Millard of Millard Consultants, Almshouse Association panel consultant and Regional Peer Representative for Cambridge has kindly put together this article on clerking and the power of networking to share with members.

Clerking and the power of networking

Time is undeniably valuable, but investing even a little of it into networking can yield significant benefits. While we may not always have the capacity for extensive networking, the moments we do manage to connect often prove well worth the effort.

Why network?

Clerking for small to medium-sized charities can sometimes feel isolating. Getting out into the community and engaging with local networks can be a refreshing change—and a reassuring reminder that you’re not alone. You’re likely to meet others facing similar challenges, opening the door to shared experiences, support, and practical ideas.

Spreading awareness – subtly – about your charity’s mission and work can have real benefits. It can help attract new trustees, contractors, or collaborators and raise your profile locally. Over time, even small efforts can lead to meaningful outcomes for your organisation.

Hidden opportunities

Some of the best opportunities come unexpectedly through simple conversations. We’ve come across previously unknown funding streams, discovered council trading arms offering services like gardening, and secured free spots at local events to showcase our work – all through informal networking.

These valuable discoveries often come at no financial cost yet can make a real difference to your charity’s reach and impact.

Know your community

The more you understand your local area – its people, its challenges, and its resources – the more equipped you are to drive meaningful change.

Talk to people. Learn what others are working on in the private, public, and third sectors. Collaboration starts with connection.

Where to network?

Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Local church or cathedral groups
• Business forums and networking events
• Community events at libraries and public spaces
• Voluntary organisations, local charities, and community foundations
• Your regional almshouse charity network
• Informal meetups, coffee mornings, and weekly gatherings

What will you need?

Not much – just a little time and some basic materials. A few business cards or a short summary of your charity’s work can go a long way. Being prepared means you can make the most of spontaneous opportunities to connect, share, or ask for support.

Best of all, your “networking budget” doesn’t have to stretch beyond your time. Trustees or volunteers can also help take part.

Don’t be afraid to promote your charity

Many people attend events hoping to support local causes – so don’t be shy about sharing your story.

Even at larger events, which may seem intimidating, you’ll often find people who know your area or connect with your mission. Posting flyers in libraries or community hubs can also have an impact.

Consider hosting your own event

Consider running an open day to showcase your charity or promote a vacancy. A warm welcome and a few cups of tea or coffee (and maybe some cake!) can go a long way in connecting with your community and raising your profile.

posted 29 September 2025

Trustee recruitment and roles

Contributed by R D Bailey, Chairman of the Crowborough Almshouse Charity

Partnerships

Crowborough Almshouse Charity (CAC) benefits from a close partnership with two Church of England parishes in the town. The incumbents of these churches serve as ex officio trustees, forming part of a board that currently comprises two ex officio trustees and eight nominated trustees. Supporting the board are a clerk, a property manager and a minutes secretary.

Community support

There is a strong culture of charitable support in Crowborough, and CAC reflects this spirit. Trustees and volunteers are committed, active and willing to contribute to the running of the charity.

Approach to trustee recruitment

With the exception of the clerk, CAC is fortunate enough, so far, to have never needed to advertise trustee positions. New trustees are usually appointed through personal connections, often via the churches, though the town council and other local congregations have also played a part.
The chairman and clerk are typically aware when a trustee intends to retire, allowing time to begin the search for a replacement.

Active trustee roles

CAC trustees are not passive board members. Each one takes on a specific responsibility and new trustees are asked to bring skills that will strengthen the charity. Candidates often want clarity on their expected role before committing.

Structure of trustee responsibilities

CAC owns four properties. Each property is overseen by two trustees:

• Resident Support Trustee – focusing on residents’ wellbeing
• Property Trustee – overseeing maintenance and management alongside the clerk and property manager

In addition, trustees participate in a standing committee and meet quarterly to review compliance with statutory obligations.

Identifying board needs

When recruiting, the chairman and clerk consider the most pressing need:

• For resident-focused roles, interpersonal skills and experience in nursing or care are highly valuable.
• For property-focused roles, knowledge of property, surveying, and related legal matters is essential.
  All trustees are also expected to contribute to governance, including financial oversight.

Current skills on the board

CAC is fortunate to have a diverse mix of skills among its trustees. Recent appointments have added expertise in surveying and property development—particularly useful as the charity explores opportunities for new land and property. This demonstrates the importance of remaining open to new skills and perspectives, a responsibility that rests primarily with the chairman.

Appointment process

The process for appointing new trustees is as follows:

1. Interview with the chairman and one or two trustees
2. Report to the clerk
3. Submission of CV and statutory checks
4. Recommendation to the full board for approval

Induction for new trustees

Once appointed, trustees are fully briefed by the clerk. Induction includes:

• Trustee role and liabilities
• Structure, governing scheme, and financial details of CAC
• Policies relevant to trustees and residents
• Attendance expectations for quarterly and other meetings
• Publication of their name on the Charity Commission website
• Agreement for a photo and biography on the CAC website
• Participation in Almshouse Association training and webinars as needed

A cohesive and skilled team

CAC is proud to have built a cohesive, committed, and experienced trustee body. Over the years, the charity has developed effective practices for recruiting and retaining trustees with the right mix of skills. We are always glad to share our approach with other almshouse trusts seeking to strengthen their boards.

September 2025