Saint Catherine’s says it has put in place a plan to protect its long-term future following a consultation process with staff.
The Scarborough based hospice says the need for change was brought about due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen a significant reduction in it's income generation, leading to a funding deficit in 2020-21 with longer term consequences.
A consultation with staff began in July and featured weekly meetings with staff representatives to ensure open conversation and the sharing of ideas across the organisation.
At the start of the consultation, it was clear that Saint Catherine’s would need to consider redundancies as part of the process.
A number of staff put themselves forward for either voluntary redundancy or reduction of hours, but the Board of Trustees say that sadly it has also been necessary to implement some compulsory redundancies. The Board of Trustees and executive team say they accepted seven offers of voluntary redundancy from staff and that regrettably there have been seven compulsory redundancies.
Mike Wilkerson, Chief Executive, said:
“It was our intention right from the start of the process to avoid compulsory redundancies if at all possible. We have worked hard, through consultation with staff and exploring all alternative options, to ensure that the number of roles impacted has been kept to a minimum.
“It has been a very difficult time for everyone at Saint Catherine’s, but on behalf of the executive team and the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank all staff for their cooperation, input and dedication during this process.
“Our staff are our greatest asset and they have continued to provide outstanding care and keep the organisation running smoothly, not only throughout this consultation but in the context of a global pandemic. Every single person that we have had to say goodbye to will be missed.”
Saint Catherine’s has now implemented its ‘resilient recovery plan’, which it says will help ensure that it is financially secure for years to come based on current lower levels of voluntary income. As part of the plan, measures are in place to ensure the financial security of the organisation in the face of wider uncertainly, such as future COVID spikes or lockdowns.
Mike added:
“As well as thanking our staff, I would also like to thank our supporters in the local community. They have been marvellous in helping us through this difficult period, by taking part in virtual fundraising, making donations and responding to our appeals.
“We simply could not do what we do without their help. I would ask that people continue to support Saint Catherine’s now and into the future, so we can offer our care, free of charge, to patients and their loved ones for years to come. It’s vital that we grow our regular support to ensure Saint Catherine’s care for future generations.”
To find out more about how support Saint Catherine’s by giving regularly, go to www.saintcatherines.org.uk/how-you-can-help-us/donate-regularly
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