An interview with David Carr on the role of governance and community
At Abbeyfield, the strength of our houses is built on the dedication of people who believe that older people deserve to feel safe, supported, and at home. To understand how our organisation is guided, we sat down with David Carr, a member of our board of trustees, to discuss his experiences and his commitment to the charity.
A life of supporting others
David’s connection to care is rooted in a long history of community involvement. Having been part of his wife’s family business running homes for many years and owning a mobility company, he has spent decades listening to people looking for a little extra help. This lifelong background meant that when the opportunity to join our board arose, it felt like a perfect fit.
“As I stepped away from full-time work, I saw an advert for Abbeyfield trustees and was attracted by the opportunity to get involved in an organisation whose values and ethos appealed,” David recalls. That initial attraction was confirmed the moment he stepped through the door of a house for the first time. “I was delighted; it was bright and welcoming, and the staff clearly cared.”
The balancing act of governance
While the staff manage the houses, David and his fellow trustees provide the necessary oversight to keep the charity moving forward. He describes the board as the equivalent of a company’s directors - volunteers responsible for the overall direction and governance of the organisation. It is a role that requires a heart for service, but also a level head.
“As Abbeyfield trustees are all volunteers, it’s important to care about the charity,” David explains. He notes that the role requires a specific mindset to be effective. “You have to be able to strike a balance between being supportive of all the hard work the team does and being challenging when you see something you think could be improved. You have to be a good listener and thoughtful about what you hear.”
Finding reassurance in the team
Of course, being responsible for so many people’s homes carries a certain amount of pressure. For David, the weight of that responsibility is lightened by the professional excellence of those on the frontline. He believes that the success of the board depends entirely on the dedication of the people working within the houses every day.
“As trustees, we have to have confidence in our executive team and the wonderful people who work for Abbeyfield,” he says. “Knowing that every day they come to work with the goal of making all our residents feel at home, looked after and safe, gives me reassurance that we are doing the best we can.”
"I think the best part of the job is being part of the team, making a difference to many lives. As Abbeyfield trustees are all volunteers, it’s important to care about the charity... You have to be a good listener and thoughtful about what you hear. You have to be able to strike a balance between being supportive of all the hard work the team does and being challenging when you see something you think could be improved."
- David Carr, member of our board of trustees
Stories from the houses
The most rewarding moments for David come from seeing the charity’s mission in action. He recalls a visit to Alistair Robertson House in Bourton-on-the-Water last year that perfectly captured the spirit of the community when he arrived to find residents preparing for a lunch hosted by local volunteers. It is this focus on community that defines life at Abbeyfield and makes our houses feel like more than just a place to live.
“They were excited and, for me, it summed up how Abbeyfield is both a happy community in itself and connected to the wider community,” he says. These interactions make the difficult decisions of the board worthwhile. “I think the best part of the job is being part of the team, making a difference to many lives. We are starting to see the positive benefits as we move into a period of growth.”
Looking ahead and getting involved
As Abbeyfield moves forward, David’s focus remains on ensuring the "home" in Abbeyfield homes remains the priority. When asked what he wants people to know about life here, his answer is simple. “That our team really work to make it feel like home and that our residents feel at home.”
For those inspired by his journey, David encourages looking for ways to contribute locally, noting that there are many ways to support the community. “We have occasional vacancies for trustees; it’s easier to get involved as a volunteer at one of our homes, where you will always get a warm welcome. Our residents are a fascinating group and will be delighted to see you.”
Find out more about our work and how you can get involved
Make a difference as an Abbeyfield trustee by using your professional skills to provide leadership and support for older people in your local community.
Volunteer at Abbeyfield to help older people stay connected and enjoy a fulfilling life through roles like befriending, gardening, and event support.
Meet our dedicated leadership team, whose diverse expertise in care, housing, and governance ensures the effective management and strategic growth of the organisation.