We’re part of the team too!

“Oaklea feels like an extended family, where everyone works together to make a difference, helping individuals to reach their full potential” Maxine Denoual, Trustee

As you will be aware, Oaklea as a charity is overseen by a Board of Trustees from across Cumbria, Northumberland and County Durham.

Out & About with Maxine

The Trustees perform a range of duties – and Trustee Maxine Denoual (from Nenthead near Alston) has just been part of the audit team at one of our houses in County Durham.

Maxine – It’s about planning & support

“I joined Oaklea as a Trustee in 2019 and feel very proud and fortunate to be able to continue to support the organisation, working alongside my colleagues to help develop and grow the charities work. Strategic planning and support is part of governance responsibilities as a Trustee. Whilst carrying out this role you also receive the support to develop your skill set, learning more about the organisation and what makes it tick, and also looking at more ways in which you can contribute. I’ve recently taken on the role of Chair to the Remuneration Committee.”

An extended family – that’s what it is!

“The Oaklea Group in some ways feels like an extended family, where everyone works together to make a difference, helping individuals to reach their full potential, receive the best care and explore opportunities along the way. We all share the same values and aims, to continue to provide excellent care and support for those in need. Helping Oaklea to grow and prosper so we can continue to help those who rely on us, by making a difference and continuing to strive towards being the best we can be. I had the pleasure of presenting the volunteer award at the recent Employee Awards Ceremony held in June where we celebrated everyone’s achievements.”

“I particularly enjoy being part of The Employee Consultative Group (ECG) and also taking the opportunity to meet our employees and customers whilst taking part in Quality Audit visits across Northumberland and County Durham. I’ve been able to visit and see some of the amazing work that goes on within the organisation.”

On the Audit trail in Sherburn!

Maxine has just returned from a visit to an Oaklea property in County Durham – she was part of the quality auditing that we do. She met with Team Manager Val Middleton and her team.

“Being a Trustee is a rewarding experience, especially when out and about in the community, getting involved, you see and hear first hand how Oaklea employees support our customers and how customers feel about Oaklea. It’s lovely to meet the teams and the customers they support on a daily basis. Thank you again for inviting me to join you on the QA visit, it was a very valuable insight into the services and support Oaklea provides. Really enjoyed meeting the team and customers in Sherburn, near Durham.”

All about timing – make a date!

Maxine’s visit was opportune as Oaklea will be marking 21 years of supporting people in County Durham in September. Val and the team in Sherburn will be starting the celebrations at the end of this month.

We are planning a get together for all on 26^th August. This is to celebrate 21 years of supporting people in the community, to live life to the full. We will be having a day of fun with a BBQ on the go and games in the garden.” Val Middleton, Team Manager, Sherburn

Become a Trustee like Maxine

We are always keen to hear from people who would like to become a Trustee (or volunteer Board member with our CIC Right2Work) Find out more here https://www.oakleatrust.co.uk/become-a-trustee/