Trustees
Karen Masterton
Chair person
Karen became Chair of Trustees in 2022, having previously been Vice Chair. Karen is the sister of one of the people we support, he has lived at Stallcombe for 40 years, so Karen has known about the charity for this time.
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Karen loves to walk with friends along the river at Otterton or along the coast at Exmouth and Budleigh. Karen also enjoys going to concerts and recently had the opportunity to see two of her favourites, Curtis Stigers and Fisherman's Friends.
Karen works part time at a local primary school as a teaching assistant- a job she enjoys very much!
Chris Retallack
Trustee
Chris began his working life as an agricultural advisor to the newly independent Government of Zambia, Chris' son was born there but has been happily living at Stallcombe for nearly 30 years!
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When Chris returned to the UK he re-trained as a geography teacher and taught in Cornwall. Chris' professional life then took a new turn and he set up and ran a network of term-time and holiday centres in the UK and abroad. Offering courses to international students in local culture and English language and in various activities such as sports, sailing, film making and visual arts.
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Chris has been a trustee on and off for at least 20 years and every day is thankful that the families social worker found a place at Stallcombe for their son.
Ann Liverton
Trustee
Ann’s working background was in pharmacy and care, her first contact with Stallcombe was when she was the District Councillor for the area and discovered Stallcombe down one of the back lanes!
From her first visit Ann was really impressed by the ethos and the respect and care given to the people supported at Stallcombe. The freedom they were accorded to live the best lives possible for them was inspiring. Ann became Chairman of the Public Health committee at East Devon District Council, then Cabinet Member for Communities (housing, public health, social welfare and much more) then was elected Council Chair person. When Ann stepped down from local politics in 2010, she wanted to keep links with Stallcombe so joined the Family and Friends, after a while she was asked to become a trustee and for a couple of years was Chair person.
Since retirement from paid work, Ann has been involved in several things in Sidmouth and beyond, Church activities, Charities, School, and College governorships, a focus group for primary care at the local health centre and was a Town Councillor for 23 years.
Ann and her husband are very involved in Amateur theatre, travelling all over the Southwest to see
different shows and performances under his role as South West councillor. They have 3 sons and 6 grandchildren.
Ann was awarded the B.E.M for services to the community 7 years ago.
Andy Letten
Staff Trustee
Andy joined the team at Stallcombe in August 2022 following a 40 year career with NatWest Bank where his final role, as a Relationship Director in the healthcare sector, gave him the opportunity to support and advise a variety of healthcare businesses across Devon.
Despite having worked here for only a relatively short time, Andy was delighted to have been elected as Staff Trustee and is looking forward to helping to shape Stallcombe’s future by bringing the views and perspectives of his colleagues, together with the experience gained throughout his banking career, to our Board meetings.
Being a Trustee at Stallcombe Community
Being a trustee of a UK charity involves a commitment to govern and oversee the strategic direction and financial health of the charity, ensuring it fulfils its purposes for the public benefit while complying with the charity's governing document and the law. It's a role that combines responsibility, strategic oversight, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on causes you care about. Here's a breakdown of what's involved and some of the benefits.
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The governing body of the Charity is the Board of Trustees, Board members are also Charity Trustees under charity law. The Board, whose members are voluntary and unpaid. The Board is non-executive and does not participate in the day-to-day running of the service.
What's Involved?
Legal Duties
Trustees must ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit, comply with the charity's governing document and the law, act in the charity's best interests, manage the charity's resources responsibly, act with reasonable care and skill, and ensure the charity is accountable.
Governance and Compliance
Ensuring that the charity complies with legal requirements, including those of the Charity Commission, and maintaining proper records.
Strategic Leadership
Setting and maintaining the vision, mission, and values of the charity, developing long-term strategies, and ensuring the charity's goals are met efficiently and effectively.
Advocacy and Representation
Acting as an ambassador for the charity, advocating its mission, and potentially engaging with stakeholders, funders, and the broader community.
Financial Oversight
Ensuring the charity's finances are managed well and its resources are used in line with its purposes, including setting budgets, overseeing expenditures, and managing risks.
Benefits
Impact
Making a significant difference in a cause you are passionate about and contributing to societal change.
Skill Development
Gaining new skills and experience, such as strategic planning, leadership, financial management, and governance.
Networking
Meeting a diverse range of people, building relationships within the charity sector and beyond.
Personal Growth
The role can be incredibly rewarding, offering opportunities for personal satisfaction and growth.
Being a trustee at Stallcombe Community is both a serious commitment and a highly rewarding role. It offers the chance to support important causes, develop new skills, and meet passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference. Ensuring you're well-informed and supported in your role is key to both enjoying the benefits and effectively managing the risks.
If you are interested in joining our Board of Trustees please contact Karen at karen.masterton@stallcombe.uk for an informal discussion and more information.