Volunteers and Staff

Around fifty people are involved with the Abbeyfield Orpington Society. 

Our volunteers bring a wealth of personal and professional experience – whether gained in the home, career, the care or medical sector, business, local government or legal professions. Their contribution and friendship make the difference to the welfare and happiness of Abbeyfield residents. 

Our paid staff include four full-time housekeepers who are supported by ten part-time staff which include the Administrator, relief housekeepers and cleaners.  All our staff are vetted and have a clean report from the Criminal Records Bureau.  They are trained in first aid and complete other regular training applicable to their work.

Our volunteers

We have 37 volunteers in the Society who make up our Executive and House Committees.  The Society is governed by the Executive committee and each house is managed by a House Chairman with their own committee of volunteers. 

The volunteers:

• formulate and ensure implementation of the Society’s business plan
• appoint and supervise staff
• manage the development and maintenance of our properties and services
• handle the admissions process for residents
• develop strategies for the future
• maintain friendly contact with each resident

In June 2010 we held an event to thank our volunteers, some of whom have been with us for over 30 years.

Volunteer with us!

If you are enthusiastic and would like to join the Abbeyfield team, please contact our administrator Michaela Holbrook-Wilson:

Email: michaela@abbeyfieldorpington.org.uk
Phone: 01689 826840

We welcome all who feel enthusiastic about volunteering with a charity that does so much to improve the lives of the elderly people in its care.  We have robust policies and procedures to support our volunteers.  Those who work closely with our residents will be vetted and asked to provide references.  Our volunteers are not paid, but may claim reasonable expenses appropriate to their role in the organisation.

The Friends

There is a separate charity called The Friends of Abbeyfield Orpington, which was founded in 1986.  Its aims are to provide support and maintenance to our existing properties and to finance the purchase of additional properties.  Its current chairman is Judy Haines, whose father Sir Cyril was the first chairman of Abbeyfield Orpington.