“This isn’t just about having something new on my CV. It’s about trying to make a genuine difference” – Center Parcs Village Director Nicky jumped at the opportunity to become an EACH trustee
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) newest trustee says she is passionate and motivated about “making a genuine difference”.
Nicky Richardson joined the organisation on 1st September and has already attended a board meeting and AGM, as well as being part of the interview process to appoint Chief Executive Kevin Clements.
By day, Nicky, a qualified nurse who served in the military, has a high-profile role as Village Director at Center Parcs’ Elveden Forest.
However, despite her hectic, demanding work life, she jumped at the opportunity to get involved at EACH.
“This isn’t just about having something new on my CV,” said the 50-year-old, who was speaking during national Trustees’ Week.
“It’s about trying to make a genuine difference.
“I’ve been made incredibly welcome by my fellow trustees and already feel part of the team.
“The induction process was brilliant, and I got all the information I needed, including lots to read – all the things you’d want to get you up and running, to start having an impact and adding value.
“Already, in a short period of time, there’s been some significant involvement, and it felt good to get stuck in straight away.
“It’s an exciting opportunity in terms of governance and oversight, which I’m used to as part of an executive team at Center Parcs.
“It’s about being a critical friend and asking the right, sometimes difficult, questions, supporting the organisation to continue to head in the right direction.”
Nicky first became aware of EACH’s work through Center Parcs’ partnership with Together for Short Lives – the national charity supporting all 54 of the UK’s children’s hospices. Every village is linked to its local hospice, and, at Elveden, that is The Nook.
“When I first joined Elveden, six and half years ago, we went to Quidenham (EACH’s former Norfolk base), and it was incredible to see such wonderful care being delivered in such a challenging environment,” said Nicky, who lives in Wattisfield.
“In terms of space, there were so many complexities, but everyone was so passionate.
“That’s where it all started for me, and, from then on, I’ve always felt passionately about EACH.
“As an organisation, it’s totally resonated with our team at Center Parcs. We welcome the opportunity to support a national charity, while also having an impact and engaging with a local one, fundraising directly for EACH.
“Staff have the opportunity to go to the hospice and support events – they can see and feel the difference it makes – and we love that duality. It’s a very synergistic relationship.”
Given her depth of feeling, Nicky, who has raised funds by completing both of EACH’s Pier 2 Pier walks, in Norfolk and Suffolk, says it was a pleasure to join the Board of Trustees.
After completing a Master’s Degree, she realised she had some spare time – time previously occupied by studying.
She was beginning to feel slightly “bereft” and ready to embrace her next personal and professional challenge.
“I’ve been doing my role at Center Parcs for six and a half years, and I’m not saying I know it all, because I don’t,” said Nicky, who has an 18-year-old son, Charlie.
“However, when you’re comfortable in your role, you need the next challenge.
“I love being busy, and I’m not very good at being still and quiet. For me, the busier the better, and, as the adage goes, if you want a job done, ask a busy person!
“I started to think about a non-executive role within the charity sector – either a children’s charity, within the military or connected to horticulture. They’re the three things I’m most passionate about.
“Then I realised the answer was staring me in the face. Why would I not approach EACH?
“My skillset is generalist, rather than being specific to something like finance or HR.
“I wasn’t sure if that would be of interest, but, thankfully, I was assured my skills would add value to the board.
“So far, it’s been fantastic, and all the trustees come from such different backgrounds, which is fascinating.
“I’m learning so much, which can only benefit me within both my new role and regular working environment.”
Nicky can certainly reflect with pride on a varied, successful working life, packed with highlights.
After starting out as a nurse, she became a reservist in the Air Force and served in Iraq in 2003.
She then made her first foray into the private sector, still within nursing, working for a company providing home therapies for adults and children with complex health needs.
“Charlie, my son, then arrived and I moved to the Cotswolds, where I ran a retirement development, mixing nursing with the business side of things,” said Nicky.
“Then a job came up with Center Parcs, as deputy Village Director at Longleat.
“I’ve not looked back since, and it’s a fantastic company to work for. What you see as a guest is what you experience as an employee.”
While passionate about her day job, Nicky is committed to her new trustee role and excited for the future at EACH.
“As a charity, we’re bucking the national trend, from a fundraising perspective,” she said.
“It makes you realise how fortunate we are to have such strong community support, and I’m looking forward to future development at the hospices, especially at Milton and The Treehouse, as well as optimising the space at The Nook.
“We need to ensure we’re in a position to meet the needs of more children and young people, as many more are living longer, thanks to improvements in healthcare.
“The more we can do, the better, and I’m excited about that – committed and determined to do whatever I can to help make a difference.”