The new year is often thought of as a time for fresh starts and self-improvement – and what better way to embrace this notion than by embarking on a more rewarding career path?

Photo: Roy Riley Photography

Rowcroft Hospice is an independent charity who provide specialist palliative care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses, many of whom are facing the hardest times imaginable across South Devon.

As part of their vision to secure long-term funding and extend their care services, the charity is offering the chance for someone to do their bit towards helping the local community and shape the future of the organisation with their head of philanthropy job opening.

‘This is an invaluable opportunity to contribute to the legacy of Rowcroft Hospice and play a vital role in helping to ensure long-term financial stability by leading our new endowment trust and supporting families in times of great stress and difficulty,’ says Rowcroft CEO, Mark Hawkins.

The chance to make a difference

Rowcroft Hospice has a specialist team who are dedicated to making every day the best it can be for patients. Image: Roy Riley Photography

The head of philanthropy position will involve leading on the major gift income stream for the newly launched Ella Rowcroft Endowment Trust. The aim of the trust is to build long-term, sustainable income for the hospice so it can continue to care for future generations.

‘We have a wonderful community who support us and receive regular donations and legacies which are vital for the ongoing running of the hospice,’ explains Mark, ‘but to deliver on our vision to care for more people we need to generate additional income through donations to our endowment.

‘Donations to the endowment build long-term income streams and donors are able to see their donations develop over time and the impact that it’s making to the hospice and our patients.’

While having connections in the South West is beneficial for the role, Mark emphasises that the most important attribute they’re looking for is a passion for the care sector and the work Rowcroft does.

‘Having a knowledge and enthusiasm for what we do and the difference we make to people’s lives cuts through everything – and it’s especially important when building relationships with individuals who are willing to make a donation to provide financial stability for the hospice.’

Perhaps the biggest benefit of philanthropic work is the opportunity to improve someone’s quality of life and alleviate pressure on families. Image: Roy Riley Photography

What Rowcroft Hospice does

The charity has a specialist team of nurses, doctors, social workers and therapists who are dedicated to making every day the best it can be for patients, and their families, living with life-limiting illnesses. A multi-disciplinary approach ensures the hospice provides for medical, emotional, social, practical, psychological and spiritual needs. Care also extends to those people who are close to the patient, and into the bereavement period after the patient has died.

Care and support are offered 24/7 at patients’ homes and at Rowcroft’s inpatient unit. Care is free of charge and given to over 2,400 patients in South Devon every year, with 80 per cent of the care provided at people’s homes.

Rowcroft Hospice provide end-of-life care for patients and support for their loved ones. Image: Roy Riley Photography

‘We’re passionate about making every day the best day possible for our patients through our personalised care services,’ says Mark. ‘Right now, we’re providing care to one in three people who are eligible, and we hope to make that two in three by 2030.’

The benefits of working for a charity

Perhaps the biggest benefit of philanthropic work is the opportunity to improve someone’s quality of life and alleviate pressure on families. ‘We work in an environment where we can see the immediate impact that we’re having on our patients’ physical and mental health, which is incredibly rewarding,’ says Mark.

As head of philanthropy, you will play a vital role in helping to ensure long-term financial stability of the charity. Image: Roy Riley Photography

Of course, working for a charity that provides end-of-life care inevitably has its challenges, but there’s also a great deal of positivity that comes with it, Mark explains: ‘Ultimately, we’re trying to provide the highest quality of life possible for our patients. Each individual is treated with the utmost dignity and respect and everything is coordinated around their needs and wishes.

‘By joining Rowcroft as head of philanthropy, you will be helping to ensure that we’re able to achieve our long-term goals and offer the dignified end-of-life support that everybody deserves.’

For more details about the job role, email info@rowcrofthospice.org.uk or call 01803 210800. You can also visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk to learn more about the charity’s work.