Why I Became Chair of Trustees at Saint Francis Hospice

As part of Trustees' Week (9-13 November), Mike Palfreman shares his journey to becoming Chair of Trustees at Saint Francis Hospice, why hospice care means so much to him, and what he hopes to achieve in the role. 

I was born at Oldchurch Hospital in Romford and have lived most of my life in Hornchurch, so I've known about Saint Francis Hospice since its formation and the incredible difference it makes to local people and families. 

My career didn't take a straightforward path. After university, I fell into banking and spent 12 years there before realising it wasn't where my passion lay. I moved into fundraising roles with RNIB and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers before becoming CEO at Age Concern Havering, now Tapestry. After an interim year as Director of Fundraising at Hospice UK, I then spent 10 years as CEO of Haven House Children's Hospice and four years leading Jersey Hospice Care before retiring in summer 2025. 

The most rewarding of my career

Those 15 years working in the hospice sector were the most rewarding of my career and gave me a deep appreciation of the vital role hospices play in supporting people and their loved ones. 

When I retired, I knew I wanted to continue contributing to hospice care through a trustee role. Saint Francis Hospice was the obvious choice. Not only is it my local hospice, but around 10 years ago it supported my dad and our family. When I saw the trustee opportunity advertised, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience

I joined the Board eight months ago and became Chair three months later. Although the role is very different from leading a hospice operationally, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It has given me the opportunity to see, from a different perspective, the impact Saint Francis continues to have across our community and to play a small part in supporting that work. 

One moment that particularly stands out was attending the staff long service awards. Meeting colleagues who have dedicated so many years to the Hospice and hearing their stories was incredibly inspiring. Their passion, commitment and belief in the organisation reinforced everything I already thought about Saint Francis Hospice. 

Trustees play an important role in ensuring a charity remains true to its purpose and is able to deliver its ambitions for the future. We work closely with the CEO and Executive Team, providing support, challenge and oversight, while helping to safeguard the long-term future of the Hospice. At Saint Francis Hospice, we are fortunate to have trustees with a wide range of experience across healthcare, hospice care, finance, business, marketing, law and digital, bringing different perspectives to the Board. 

I am optimistic about the future

Looking ahead, hospices face significant challenges, particularly around funding and workforce pressures. However, I am optimistic about the future. Saint Francis Hospice is highly respected within our local community, has a clear vision for the years ahead and is already making a profound difference to so many people. I'm excited to be part of that journey and to help ensure we can continue supporting even more people and their loved ones in the future.