Introducing Fiona Summerfield – Volunteer Programme Manager

Know us for when you need us

Fiona Summerfield

Volunteer Programme Manager

What is your role at Nelson Tasman Hospice?
Volunteer Programme Manager – In this role I oversee the diverse ways volunteers contribute across Nelson Tasman Hospice. I shape the overall volunteering strategy, which is a significant piece of work for Hospice. For example, my role includes ensuring volunteer health, safety, and wellbeing are supported, and volunteer contributions are recognised and valued. I collaborate closely with managers and volunteers to ensure we have the framework, people, processes, and approach for a sustainable future for Hospice and to help build a compassionate community.

What doe s a working day look like for you?
I work four days a week: Monday – Wednesday and Fridays. No two days are the same. I am based at the Suffolk Road offices, but I also spend time at our five retail shops. My day might include working on the volunteer framework for Hospice that is following the review and feedback from volunteers. It may also include working with a clinical referral to match a volunteer with a patient for support, interviewing new volunteers or checking in with a volunteer who has recently started volunteering to see how they are going. I work closely with Glynis Ellery, who is also part of the Volunteer Programme team.

You are new to the team, tell us about why you wanted to work at Nelson Tasman Hospice?
I had friends who benefitted from the service and it is important to me to be part of an organisation that is making a difference to our community. Also, having volunteered in a variety of different organisations for many years, this role felt like a meaningful opportunity to tautoko, support, Hospice volunteers, who play such a vital role in helping the organisation achieve its vision. The role also fitted very well with my skillset and education that includes communication, equity, and project and people management.

If you were a colour, what colour would you be and why?
I find it hard to choose just one colour—each shade and variation is important to make up the life we weave together with each other. This reflects the diversity of our volunteers at Hospice. Every contribution matters. Also, we want our framework for volunteering at Hospice to be inclusive and supportive of all our volunteers at each stage of volunteering with Hospice from first enquiry.