A FORMER nurse has called on a charity to keep evolving during these uncertain times after taking on a top role.

Liz Mell has succeeded Brian Terry as the chair of trustees at Havens Hospices.

A long-term supporter of the charity, Liz officially joined Havens as a trustee 12 months ago.

She has worked in health and social care for 20 years and seen vast changes take place at Havens over the last two years, with the coronavirus pandemic causing havoc since March.

But Liz is keen to help guide Havens through the pandemic in her new senior role.

She said: “Even with all the challenges that our history – and now Covid – has brought, we are developing an organisation that is really prepared and resilient, working smarter and harder to continue making that difference in our community.

“With the changes we’re seeing within the wider healthcare sector, our charity and its governance needs to constantly evolve to ensure we’re fulfilling our mission and vision while staying true to our values.

“In my time with Havens, I’ve met some amazing and interesting people and witnessed some fantastic work going on with our children and patients.

“I have seen dedication, enthusiasm and a real passion for making a difference for the families and patients.”

Liz insists Havens is in safe hands with her as the chair of trustees.

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She added: “In basic terms, governance means making sure that we are doing the things we set out to do properly, effectively and legally.

“It ensures that we look after the money, investments and resources that are given to us – donations from supporters, volunteers’ time or our staff’s commitment.

“All of these things are vital for us to deliver the care of the hospices and our community and support services.”

The development and wellbeing of Havens’ staff is a priority for Liz.

She admitted: “Having worked with people with disabilities my whole career, I passionately believe that it takes whole communities to provide good support and enable people to give their best and to be their best.

“If we don’t have diversity in our people, then we don’t have diversity of thinking. The danger then is that we don’t see things that could be prevented or we miss gaps in our service.

“People of different abilities and backgrounds bring different assets, everyone has valuable skills and knowledge that they bring as personalities and as individuals.

“Different perspectives then brings richness to the things we do.”