Why I Became a Trustee at Saint Francis Hospice

As part of Trustees' Week (9-13 November), Shohail Shaikh shares why he chose to become a trustee at Saint Francis Hospice, the experience he brings to the role, and what he hopes to achieve. 

Throughout my career, I have always believed that leadership is ultimately about service to others. Whether supporting colleagues, developing future leaders or creating opportunities for people to succeed, I've been driven by a desire to make a positive difference. Becoming a trustee at Saint Francis Hospice felt like a natural extension of those values. 

I joined the Board of Trustees in April 2026 and, although I am still relatively new to the role, it has already been an incredibly meaningful experience. What attracted me most to Saint Francis Hospice was the humanity at the heart of everything it does. Its commitment to providing compassionate, person-centred care, while supporting families and loved ones, really resonated with me. I believe dignity, compassion and respect should never be optional, particularly when people are facing uncertainty, vulnerability or loss. 

I have a strong connection to the communities the Hospice serves

Having lived locally for many years, I also have a strong connection to the communities the Hospice serves. That makes this role especially meaningful because it's an opportunity to support an organisation that helps local people and their loved ones during some of life's most challenging times. 

Alongside my trustee role, I am Head of Organisational Development and Talent Management at London Ambulance Service NHS Trust and a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD). Much of my career has focused on developing people, strengthening leadership, creating inclusive cultures and helping organisations become places where people can thrive. As a trustee, I bring experience in organisational development, leadership, culture, talent management and inclusion, as well as a people-centred perspective. 

Working together with a shared purpose

One of the things that has struck me most since joining the Board is the collective commitment behind hospice care. It's easy to focus on the care and support provided to people under the care of the Hospice, but behind that support is an entire community of dedicated staff, volunteers, fundraisers and supporters working together with a shared purpose. It has reinforced something I have always believed: extraordinary outcomes are achieved when people come together around a common goal. 

I am excited by the opportunity to help ensure Saint Francis Hospice continues to provide outstanding care and support for generations to come. I am particularly passionate about supporting the Hospice to invest in its people, strengthen its culture, embrace diversity and inclusion, and build deeper connections with the communities it serves. 

Being a trustee is about giving back

For me, being a trustee is about giving back to an organisation that has such a positive impact on local people and their loved ones, and helping to ensure it remains strong, sustainable and able to support those who need it most in the years ahead. 

And if there is one message I would leave people with, it is this: We may not always be able to change the circumstances people face, but together, we can make an extraordinary difference to how they experience them.