Sands' Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance of the charity - making sure that Sands is effectively and properly run - and setting our long-term aims.
Oliver Reichardt has been our Chair since 2018 and knows first-hand the huge difference the charity can make, having been supported by Sands after the death of his daughter Primrose.
We asked Oliver about his personal journey with Sands, why he wanted to become a Sands Trustee, and his hopes for the future.
Hi Oliver, please tell us a bit more about yourself.
I’m the CEO of the Royal College of Radiologists – a medical royal college which supports doctors specialising in oncology and radiology. I live near Newbury and spend most of my time looking after three active children.
How did you first find out about Sands?
I first found out about Sands when they supported my wife and I when our daughter Primrose was stillborn.
When did you begin to get involved in supporting our work?
My wife and I started fundraising for Sands a few months after our daughter died.
Why did you want to become a Trustee?
I had been a trustee before, and working for a charity I also knew what was involved. I had recently stepped down from a trusteeship and when I saw the opportunity advertised I thought it was a great way to use the skills and experience I had to help Sands.
What do you find most inspiring about being on the Board?
The staff – they work incredibly hard and are incredibly dedicated in what are often difficult roles. It’s clear many of them could earn far more money elsewhere but choose to work for Sands because they believe so much in the cause.
How do you feel your experience, knowledge and skills make a difference to the work of the Board?
I currently am the CEO of a charity, have been a Director of various charities and also been a trustee of various charities, both bigger and smaller. As such I feel I have good senior experience in a wide range of charities which I can bring to help Sands.
What do you think makes Sands special and unique as a charity?
The difference Sands makes to so many lives. Combining bereavement support and reducing baby loss. The way we bring the voice of bereaved parents to decision makers.
Can you describe Sands in three words?
Vital, dedicated, caring.
Is there a particular aspect of Sands’ work that most interests you?
The particular aspect that most interests me is providing bereavement support at the right time to those who need it, ensuring everyone has us in that moment when they need us most.
If you had one wish for the future of Sands what would that be?
That it could make even more of a difference and reach even more people.