What is a trust?

A trust is a financial agreement between three parties:

• The ‘settlor’ The settlor is the person/people who put money into the trust
• The ‘trustee’ The trustee is the person/people who manage the money
• The ‘beneficiary’ The beneficiary is the person/people who benefits from the trust.
• For more information about Trusts, have a look at uk

How does the Trust work?

1. Partners and colleagues across the company agree to donate £1 a month to the trust as well as Tops and Shoots make an annual contribution to match these donations made, ensuring that the Trust’s resources are always replenished and ready to assist those in need.
2. Partners and colleagues suffering hardship or fellow colleague on their behalf completes an application and submits to the trustees for consideration.
3. Applications are reviewed by the trustees and approved or declined accordingly, with additional support or guidance if required to support the partner/colleague.
4. Funds if granted by the trust are paid to the partner/colleague.

Who is Involved?

All applications are reviewed and considered by the Trustees and any colleague could join the trustees to get involved and be part of the decision making, whilst ensuring the trust money benefits those most in need.

Our Trustees are:

The Colleague and Partner Trust:

The Colleague and Partner Support Trust was established 2020 with a profound purpose: to assist our colleagues and partners during times of hardship, irrespective of the underlying reasons. Whether it’s financial difficulties, life-altering circumstances, compassionate payments for bereavement costs, life-threatening health issues, equipment for a disabled child or partner, emergency expenses such as housing or injury, additional training costs, food parcels, or enabling a well-deserved break from work, the Trust stands as a pillar of support.

Our mission extends beyond individual aid; the Trust can also support charities or causes that are close to a colleague and partners heart’s. Every colleague and partner are welcome to apply for funds, with each application being reviewed by the dedicated subcommittee of colleagues and trustees. This ensures that the resources are directed towards those who need them most.

The governance of the Trust is inclusive, inviting any colleague or partner to join the trustees. This role offers a chance to be actively involved in the decision-making process, upholding the values of empathy and solidarity that the Trust embodies.

To sustain this invaluable support system, colleagues and partners earning above the National Minimum Wage contribute 50p monthly through wage deductions. Complementing this, Tops and Aspire makes an annual contribution to match these donations made, ensuring that the Trust’s resources are always replenished and ready to assist those in need.

Since 2020 the trust has granted over £25,000 to colleagues and partners requiring assistance. This substantial support encompassed various needs, including additional counselling sessions, help with rent and utility bills, repairs to cars, a new washing machine, and aid with food shopping.

The Trust is more than a safety net; it is a testament to our collective commitment to each other’s well-being, fostering a community where compassion and support are the cornerstones.

Testimonials

Below are the lovely testimonials and feedback we have receive from colleagues about the trust.

“The colleague trust is a great idea, so hats off to whoever thought of it. To think that I could potentially help out a colleague in need or a good cause by donating in this way is lovely”

“Just wanted to say what a wonderful thing the colleague trust can do. And what an amazing company to work for. I’ve recently sent an application to the employee trust and within a matter of days, I was granted some money. This will massively support me during this hard time so thank you, I really do appreciate it”