Charity Spotlight is a weekly series dedicated to showcasing the incredible work of Jersey’s charities – from grassroots initiatives to island-wide movements, we’ll be sharing the stories of the people working tirelessly to support those in need and the importance of leadership in guiding that work.

Each week, Express hears from a charity leader on their biggest challenges and successes, what leadership and wellbeing truly mean in the third sector, and their hopes for the future.

Next up is Meals on Wheels Society (Jersey), a charity that supports islanders by preparing food and delivering around 100 meals per day, four days a week.

Here’s what the charity’s Chair, Hilary Grant, had to say about life working at the Meals on Wheels and what she does to motivate her team…

The most rewarding part of our work is…

Knowing that we are supporting those who wish to continue to live in their own homes but who need the benefit of receiving four hot meals a week. 

One thing I wish more people understood about our cause is…

That we operate entirely as a team of volunteers, with no paid staff at all. 

Our charity wouldn’t exist without…

Our wonderful team of over a hundred volunteers, each of whom gives a couple of hours of their time once a fortnight. 

The best way for people to support us (beyond donations) is…

To sign up to join us, either by helping to dish up the meals or by delivering the hot lunches. 

In five years, I hope our charity will…

Still be supporting all the lovely people we deliver meals to. 

The biggest lesson I’ve learned as a leader is…

To delegate to others, especially in areas where they have better skills than I have.

The best piece of leadership advice I ever received was…

Allow everyone to have their say and then make sure that a sensible decision is agreed. 

The most important quality in a team is…

An ability to communicate with each other, frequently and effectively. 

When it comes to motivating people, I believe that…

All volunteers who join our ranks should be treated with kindness and consideration  –  in the same way we treat those we deliver the meals to. 

The one skill I think every charity CEO or manager should develop is…

Patient but strong diplomacy. This can be used both within the charity and in contact with outside entities. 

GET IN TOUCH…

If you know a charity you think should be featured, drop a message to editor@bailiwickexpress.com.

More from our Charity Spotlight series…