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Plymouth Hospitals Charity helps you say thank you to your NHS Trust.

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Plymouth Hospitals Charity helps you say to thank you to your NHS Trust.

Our Strategy

At Plymouth Hospitals Charity, we are passionate about connecting with you, caring about you and being accountable to you. Every decision we make puts the donor first and foremost to ensure their charitable donations are used to benefit patients and staff.

Read our strategy for 2025/28:

Download Audio File to listen to our strategy

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Structure of PHC Governance

PHC is part of University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and in turn we are looked after by the Charity Commission. This means we follow legal and financial rules to keep everything transparent and accountable. We make sure we keep excellent financial records, submit our annual reports, and have exemplary governance practices. By adhering to these guidelines, we can focus on what really matters – making a positive difference in people’s lives.

  • Our day-to-day operations are handled by a dedicated charity team. We oversee fundraising, donor support, communications, and grant-making. We have big ideas that come from listening to what people want and learning how we can help make things better. We work closely with hospital colleagues to identify where charitable funding can be used to buy incredible pieces of equipment, or support staff well-being, or provide cutting edge research projects, or even just plant some flowers to brighten up someone’s day.

    We report to both a Finance Sub Committee and a Charity Management Committee. This is really positive as we have a lot of expertise around us, who all work with us in the Charity’s best interests, so we can deliver our mission. The Committees comprise of staff from various departments within the Trust, each with an independent advisor and a patient representative. They oversee the management, investments and distribution of charity funds. The committee ensures that charity income is spent wisely and promptly.

    Most charities in the UK have Boards of Trustees. Usually about 12 people with skills and specialisms meet regularly to oversee their Charity’s operations. Some NHS Charities are governed in this way and are registered as independent charities. However, for us and many more, we have a corporate trustee model.

    The Corporate Trustee for Plymouth Hospitals Charity is the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The Board members, both Executive and Non-Executive Directors, act together in this role. They meet separately from the Trust's Board meetings to discuss charity matters and report collectively to the Charity Commission.

    Our Corporate Trustee is highly supportive of their charity, and this model works exceptionally well. It ensures that the charity's strategic direction is aligned with the Trust's priorities. This alignment means we don't purchase items that can't be maintained or waste money, also that we actively fundraise for things that can really bring that extra special something to a hospital project or programme. This ensures every decision benefits our patients and furthers the Charity’s mission.

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Grant Awarding Panels

Our charity has several grant awarding panels that help us decide what to fund. These groups are made up of dedicated staff from University Hospitals Plymouth, each focusing on different areas of care. When we receive an application — for example, one for children's services — we present it to the relevant children’s panel. These staff groups understand the specific needs and challenges in their area and carefully assess each application using our charity’s funding criteria.

  • We also have the Charity Operational Group (COG). This group oversees all applications for unrestricted funds and decides how we spend income from the staff lottery. Like all panels, the COG follows strict criteria to ensure resources are allocated appropriately.

    All panels meet quarterly to carry out a thorough review process for all applications supported by the charity. Our Grant and Impact Coordinator is available to assist applicants in completing their submissions to improve their chances of success.

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Annual Reports

Our annual reports celebrate the incredible difference that your donations and fundraising make each year. We support projects that go above and beyond what NHS funding can provide, helping to make Plymouth’s hospitals the best they can be. None of this would be possible without your support.

  • We awarded 322 grants across University Hospitals Plymouth during 2024/25, helping to fund projects that make a lasting impact such as

    • Complementary therapies for cancer patients

    • Cold water swimming project and nature and gardening programme

    • Parental accommodation for NICU families

    • Child-sized CPR training mannequins

    • Mammography positioning chair

Read the full report

Fundraising Regulator

Our Commitment to You

When you donate to us, we promise to be legal, open, honest, and respectful. Here's how we do it:

    • We follow the Fundraising Code of Practice.

    • We ensure everyone involved in fundraising follows the guidelines.

    • We proudly display the Fundraising Regulator badge to show our commitment.

    • We always tell the truth and keep our promises.

    • We explain clearly how your donations are used.

    • We make it easy to understand how to donate or change your regular donations.

    • Where we ask a third party to fundraise on our behalf, we will make this relationship and the financial arrangement transparent.

    • We respect your privacy and won't pressure you to donate.

    • If you decide not to give, we respect that.

    • We have special procedures to help those in vulnerable situations.

    • We get your consent before contacting you and respect your communication preferences.

    • We treat everyone fairly and adapt to your needs.

    • We avoid using distressing images or words.

    • We ensure our fundraising activities don't cause a nuisance.

    • We manage our resources wisely and consider the impact on everyone involved.

    • If you have any complaints, we listen and respond appropriately.

    • Our feedback, compliments & complaints policy is easy to find and follow.

For more information about the Fundraising Regulator and the Code of Fundraising Practice, visit www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk.