To mark Trustees Week, we’d like to thank Gloucestershire’s trustees for their passion and commitment to making our county a better place to live. As part of this, we asked eight trustees from different organisations how they first became a trustee and what inspires them in their work
1 What inspired you to become a trustee?
I became a trustee because I wanted to use my skills to help people in my community. Getting involved with Hungry No More has given me an insight to help people facing hardship have access to support and dignity. Having seen the increasing need for food banks and community services, I felt I could contribute my skills and experience to help guide and strengthen the organisation.
Alexandra Perrett – Hungry No More
I had just been made redundant, and my new role involved working with some young apprentices. Although I had two young people at the time, I wanted to understand the issues that young people had at the time in the early 1980s.
Chris Fletcher – Together in Matson
I didn't set out to become a trustee. If someone had asked me about being a trustee, I'd have said I wasn't sure what I could offer. I believed trusteeship to be a mystical role, carried out by people who have decades of governance experience. But, quite often, charities need trustees with energy, commitment and a genuine interest in the work, much more than governance experience.
Jess Waterman - Allsorts
My initial inspiration was listening to a CEO of a Charity supporting people aged 14- 19 and the challenges they were facing. I wanted to see them raise their profile and to help them gain a secure funding stream.
Julie Reader-Sullivan – Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance
2 What has surprised you most about the role?
The most surprising thing about the role is the flexibility, trustees can contribute as much as they are able. I'm very lucky that the other trustees are very knowledgeable and capable, and part of an organisation that protects and values their contribution as trustees. I have been able to learn the ropes of being a trustee and contribute my time around two paid roles and a busy family life!
Raechel Kelly – Ethical Giving
I have been a trustee for a children's disability charity, Allsorts Gloucestershire, for six years now (four of those as chair). The greatest surprise has been that diverse expertise and ways of thinking help to strengthen our board, including valuing lived experience of the barriers we are here to help overcome. We all bring knowledge that is unique to us and everyone's perspective is valued. We lean on each other and there can be a lot of joy and satisfaction in the role.
Jess Waterman – Allsorts
What surprised me most was how much I gained in terms of knowledge of organisational challenges and the learning from other trustees.
Julie Reader-Sullivan – Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance
3 What difference has being a trustee made to you, your organisation or your community?
Being a trustee has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our community and the importance of strong, well-governed charities. Personally, it has helped me develop new skills, broaden my perspective, and build relationships with people who are from diverse backgrounds, broadening my outlook on many aspects of community living.
Alexandra Perrett – Hungry No More
Being a trustee allows me to make a real difference in the everyday lives of individuals and groups, while deepening my understanding of the challenges others face.
Chris Fletcher - Together in Matson
Being a trustee at Cheltenham Trust enables me to give back to the venues and town that I love, while making an impact in the community. Some of the main roles of being a trustee are to lead the governance of the charity and ask the right questions. With my experience in running a local business, I find that I can ask relevant questions, which help the executive team to consider different angles.
Belinda Wilson - The Cheltenham Trust
Becoming a trustee has been a great way for me to develop my skills, particularly in leadership, governance and strategic thinking. It has also given me a broader understanding of how charities are run and the responsibilities involved in ensuring they remain sustainable and effective. It also feels good to know you are helping a charity grow and thrive, and hearing beneficiaries’ stories firsthand is a powerful reminder of the difference these organisations make to people’s lives.
Michaela Pearson – The Pied Piper Appeal
My confidence has grown and my sense of purpose. The relationships I have formed through being a trustee are extremely valuable to me, that is with fellow trustees and members of the Allsorts team. It isn’t always smooth sailing because the charity sector can be a challenging world, even when there is a lot to celebrate and feel proud about. Maintaining excellent services on a tight budget requires tenacity. I respect the work of my colleagues immensely and I have gained insights and learning that I appreciate greatly.
Jess Waterman – Allsorts
4 What would you say to someone who has never considered becoming a trustee?
Who makes a good trustee? Do not assume you need to be an expert or have previous board experience. Cotswold Friends, like other charities, need people from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. Curiosity, commitment and a willingness to learn are key. Becoming a trustee is a fantastic way to work with and support others. You help shape the future of a charity you care about.
Chris Ridgers - Cotswold Friends
Being a trustee is a fabulous way to make a realistic difference in a charity and the community, without having to volunteer for regular hours each week.
If you are thinking about it, then find out more online, from Go Volunteer Glos or talk to existing trustees. It might be that you have a particular charity in mind. If so, contact them direct because trustee roles are not always advertised. My real advice is to give it a go!!
I would be happy to talk to you if you are considering becoming a Trustee and want to know more. Look me up on LinkedIn here.
Belinda Wilson, The Cheltenham Trust
Take the opportunity to broaden your life’s experience. Being a trustee helps you see life through other people’s eyes, and the insight you gain can improve how you approach challenges and find solutions.
Chris Fletcher - Together in Matson
I would really recommend that people explore ways that they can give back to the communities and causes they care about. Now more than ever with social inequality rising and environmental crises worsening, there is a massive need for proactive and passionate people to get involved with local organisations, either as a trustee, volunteer or through regular donations.
American anthropologist Margaret Mead is thought to have said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Raechel Kelly – Ethical Giving
I would say go for it. Being a trustee is a fantastic opportunity to learn, develop new skills and gain valuable experience that can support your personal and professional development. It is also a meaningful way to give back to your community. Charities often provide vital support to individuals and families when other services are stretched, and trustees play an important role in helping those organisations continue to make a difference.
Michaela Pearson – The Pied Piper Appeal
Start by looking at the types of organisations that excite or energise you. Maybe there is a charity that is very close to home or an area of work you would love to know more about. Consider the values of an organisation and the goals they are trying to achieve. If you feel you can get behind these, that is a brilliant first step.
Jess Waterman – Allsorts
Feeling inspired? Then why not explore our current trustee vacancies at Go Volunteer Glos