There are twelve volunteer Trustees, appointed by nearby Quaker meetings. Two of them are "Co-Clerks" (sharing the work of what would be the Chairman in other organisations) and another is the Treasurer. There are four regular business meetings each year at which the policies of the Homes are decided. Our regulations require one of the Trustees to visit each month to prepare a written report on the state of the Homes and about any work that needs to be done.

Some Trustees are also able to offer expert advice to the managers about legal, technical and financial issues.

Many of the Trustees also visit the Homes for other reasons, and take part in social activities and fund-raising work.

Complaints which the managers cannot resolve to everyone's satisfaction, are referred to the Trustees - a very rare occurrence!

For two years, from January 2010, we are employing Dirk van Dijl as "Trustee's Representative" to work with our managers for two days each week. Dirk has an impressive record as a mentor to several companies, and we are asking him to review our whole organisation, always with the aim of providing our residents with the best possible service while maintaining low fees. The legislation relating to residential care homes is complex, and is subject to rapid change. Dirk is working to ensure that we comply with all regulations and satisfy every one of the standards defined by the Care Quality Commission.

" ... here, you see, it takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place." Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass. The standards in most residential homes are improving. We want to stay where we are - in front.