FOUR residents are being asked to leave – and 20 staff made redundant – at the St Johns’ Almshouse in Sherborne.

Trustees have announced the changes as it plans to embark on a transformation to make the site ‘more in keeping with the 21st century’.

The news comes after a two two-month consultation process with staff and residents.

On February 28, the trustees voted to change the charity’s operating model and have now informed its staff and those living in the Almshouse of the outcome in response to ‘a set of circumstances both unique and unprecedented in the long history of the Almshouse’.

“It is unfortunately clear that the current operating model is no longer sustainable. It has become increasingly difficult to attract new residents who want to live in the Almshouse and are fit to do so as it is currently configured,” they said.

The statement added that the almshouse is ‘not a care home’ and that the future model could see the building converted into ‘fit-for-purpose flats for people in need, either within our existing Grade 1 listed building, or elsewhere in Sherborne’.

“We are at the start of our journey to modernise the Almshouse Charity and are keen to engage with the local community and encourage their support,” the statement added.

“We are planning to open our doors to the public and host events to explain more about the charity and the proposals that we are considering.

“There will also be a need to raise funds to support this modernisation and ensure that the charity can continue to provide for those in need and thus fulfil our charitable purpose.”

However, the plans mean four residents are being asked to find new homes, with 20 staff – 18 part-time and two full-time – losing their jobs.

“We can assure the community that during our consultation so far, we have looked very carefully at the individual needs of our remaining six residents and those who are capable of independent living have been offered self-contained accommodation in the Almshouse’s annex,” the trustees said.

“Unfortunately, those that have greater care needs and are unable to live independently are being asked to move to more suitable accommodation. They will be given every assistance to find a safe and appropriate new home in keeping with both their needs and our charitable aims.

“Sadly, we will need to make redundancies, which will affect 18 part-time and two full-time roles, as we no longer require these to look after our two remaining residents. We will continue to employ a small team to take us forward on our journey.

“We will be very sad to lose incredibly loyal, caring and supportive staff, some of whom have been with us for many years. Support will be offered to help these highly capable and dedicated team members find new jobs in the community. Several local employers have already expressed an interest in employing our staff.

“Those moving on will do so by June 30, as we feel this is an appropriate length of time for them to help residents to be settled elsewhere.

“Our timetable now is driven purely to ensure the safety of our residents. We request that staff and residents’ privacy is now respected so that we can all focus on delivering a smooth transition for them.”

The community will now be consulted over possible changes at the charity, they said, with updates posted at www.stjohnshouse.org and on the almshouse noticeboard.