Making a difference
Have you ever considered being a trustee of a charity? 

Would you consider volunteering with Taunton Team Chaplaincy in this way? 

Our wonderful volunteer chaplains in Taunton businesses interact with people in many walks of life. But you can also make a difference in another important way as a trustee by helping to “steer the ship”. As our title states, we are a team. 

Let’s look first at what we do and then the role of a trustee…

What is Taunton Team Chaplaincy (“TTC”)?

TTC is a local charity which provides spiritual care, emotional support and a listening ear for people in various settings in Taunton. 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of TTC starting up. 

Chaplains are members of local churches who are motivated by their Christian faith to be friendly and compassionate to people in times of need. We have 32 volunteer chaplains at the moment. Chaplains are not counsellors but will signpost people to professional help if needed. Chaplains will engage with people of any faith or none, and will happily talk about their beliefs if they want to, but that is a prerequisite…. 

Chaplains are managed by a paid Lead Chaplain, Adrian Prior-Sankey. We keep close links with churches and civic life of the town. 

Where do chaplains operate?

• In shops for the benefit of staff and the public. Shops range in size from large national stores to sole traders; 
  
• In offices for staff, particularly Somerset County Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, and the UK Hydrographic office;
  
• In 7 care homes, for residents and staff;
  
• At the Railway station, for travellers, staff and vulnerable people who are sometimes attracted to the railway. Chaplains there are known as ‘Rail Responders.’
  
• With marginalised people, including homeless support groups and the YMCA Dulverton Group;
  
• In open spaces, including town centre and parks. 
  

Each of these areas is called a ‘cluster’ and is headed by a volunteer convenor. 

In 2021 we intend to add a seventh cluster by offering chaplaincy at the local courts, where we have the enthusiastic support of court officials to start work. 

We have a ‘drop-in’ office in the town centre. 

Do chaplains make a difference?

In some ways, that’s not for us to judge, but in 2019, chaplains had significant conversations with 5000 people. Subjects discussed included work, health, family and faith. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, chaplains have been restricted in making face to face contact at their usual placements, but new ways of offering the service are being devised, including a telephone support service. The considerable after effects of the pandemic in terms on employment, livelihoods, mental health and wellbeing mean that chaplaincy will be needed in ever greater measure. TTC will endeavour to meet this challenge.

What does a trustee do?

Trustees are responsible for leading TTC to deliver its purpose as effectively as possible. The trust board members’ key roles cover strategy, performance and assurance. The board shares collective responsibility for the decisions it makes. As of August 2020, there are 5 trustees. 

The board works closely with the Lead Chaplain who always attends trust board meetings, as do our volunteer treasurer and part-time administrator. 

A trustee may wish to pick up a portfolio for one or more aspects of the Board’s work, depending on their skills and interests. Portfolios currently held include:

• Finance 
  
• Development
  
• Admin and premises
  
• Profile and promotion
  
• Governance
• Line management of Lead Chaplain
  

A trustee may also wish to mentor one of the clusters (current vacancies exist in these clusters: offices, railway, marginalised, open spaces). The trustee would work with the cluster convenor concerned. 

I will be stepping down as chair in 2021 after 8 years. We welcome new trustees to join us, but there is no expectation on them to take the chair when they join. 

What’s the cost of being a trustee?

Just your time- a valuable commodity for all of us, of course. However, you will receive back the satisfaction and reward that you are helping the community. The board meets every 2 months for 2 hours. During the pandemic we meet by video link. 

TTC is a limited company as well as a charity. This means that the personal financial liability of an individual trustee is very small. Our chaplaincy activities and trustees’ liabilities are insured. 

What qualities are needed in a trustee?

We welcome women and men with skills and a compassionate heart for other people, based on a belief that Jesus showed us the way to love one another, supremely displaying ‘the way, the truth and the life’ in His own life and ministry. 

How is TTC supported?

First, through prayer. Friends of TTC join trustees and chaplains in praying for our work each week and for the people that we meet. 

Secondly, from a financial point of view we rely entirely on donations and grants. Some local churches and private individuals kindly donate to our work. We also need to attract external grants to make up the difference between our costs (about £30k per year) and donations. Fund raising and financial oversight is therefore one ongoing aspect of the trustees’ responsibilities. 

Would you like to know more?

I would be very happy to have a chat and answer any questions you have, on an informal basis with no obligation involved. 

My name and contact details are:

Andy Hall

07817 680436

Email : scc.chaplain@gmail.com

Thank you for taking the time to read this

Andy