This is the day in the life of Jonny, our Partnership Development Officer!

Name:
Jonny Bottomley

Date started at Dove House:
2^nd October 2023

What attracted you to join the Dove House team?
What initially attracted me to the role was the focus on partnerships. Throughout my career in both marketing agencies and fundraising, I’ve always enjoyed building relationships with businesses — getting to know their commercial and marketing goals and creating solutions that deliver mutual value. To me, that’s what true partnership is all about. While I didn’t know much about Dove House at first, after researching the charity, it became clear that it’s a genuinely worthwhile organisation to be part of.

What was the first thing that struck you about Dove House when you came for the first time? Is that the same now or has it changed over the years? If so, why?
What stood out from a service delivery perspective was the genuine focus on the individual — whether patient or family member — and the way even the smallest details are considered because they make the biggest difference. From an employment perspective, I was equally impressed by the professionalism that shines through every aspect of the charity.

What do you feel makes Dove House special?
It’s the focus on the little things that really stands out. I’ve spent a lot of time talking to staff at all levels, listening to their stories and experiences, and the common thread is the care and attention they give to patients and their families — going above and beyond simply doing their jobs. This same sentiment comes through whenever I speak to families whose loved ones have been cared for here — it’s the people who make Dove House truly special.

What do you look forward to each day?
No two days are ever the same, which is what keeps the role so interesting. I’m constantly inspired by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who go above and beyond to support us. We’re lucky to have such a creative community — from those who come up with their own unique ways to fundraise, to others who use our events and activities as a platform to achieve their own fundraising goals. Seeing that passion and commitment firsthand is a real privilege.

What are the amazing moments that stand out for you in your day that make a difference to you, patients and your team?
Honestly, it’s the stories our supporters so kindly share that resonate the most. They highlight not only the exceptional level of care and attention to detail we provide but also the profound impact our work has on people’s lives.

What does a typical day look like for you?
I don’t really have a typical day, which is one of the things I love about the role. My day usually starts early, around 7am, when I catch up on emails and set my priorities. After that, it all depends on what’s in the diary — which fills up quickly, mostly with meetings and conversations with supporters.
This could involve talking through upcoming events and activities, discussing volunteering opportunities, sitting in on charity committee meetings to offer advice on fundraising or staff engagement, or taking supporters on tours of our facilities. I’m often invited by businesses to visit their offices, meet their wider teams, tour their operations, and get a better understanding of their culture.

A part of my time is spent thanking businesses for their support and making sure they know how valued they are. I also attend networking and regional events to build connections and raise awareness. And, of course, there’s the strategic planning, reporting, and all the behind-the-scenes work that comes with any role like this.

What do you think are the biggest achievements you have accomplished while working at Dove House?
Building relationships and earning the trust of a diverse range of businesses, across all sectors and sizes, is a key part of my role. It’s never about applying a ‘one size fits all’ approach, but instead taking the time to understand each company’s ambitions, motivations, and goals, and shaping our engagement around what matters to them. Seeing this tailored approach resonate and deliver results across such a broad mix of businesses is something I’m really proud of.

Working at a hospice can have its emotional times when days are harder than others. What gets you through these?
It’s the knowledge that the charity’s work touches countless lives in ways that are truly immeasurable. Whether it’s providing comfort during the most difficult moments, offering support to families when they need it most, or simply being a reassuring presence in the community, the impact reaches far beyond what can be seen or measured. Knowing that every conversation, every event, and every partnership contributes to making that possible is what makes the work so meaningful and rewarding.

What are your hopes for your future at Dove House?
My hope is that Dove House expand both the capacity and the range of services offered. There are high aspirations, driven by the identified needs and demands of the community, as recognized by the truly exceptional people working at Dove House. In conversations with staff, I’ve heard some incredible ideas for achieving this — from smaller initiatives like relaunching the breathlessness clinic for outpatients, to more ambitious, strategic changes such as introducing ‘hospice at home’ care. My hope is that Dove House continues to grow, enabling us to have an even greater impact on the lives of those we serve in the community.