Why become a charity trustee?

Anyone can become a Trustee, regardless of their age or background! Michelle’s trustee career began in her 30s, when she decided that she wanted to give back to her community, and bring a fresh young perspective. Here’s her story: "I'm a trustee and the treasurer of Somerset Community Foundation , which means I take ultimate responsibility for the finances of the organisation, overseeing the finance and audit function. I also do some more functional things such as approving bank payments and reviewing budgets and management accounts, as well as some higher-level work around governance, and occasionally sitting on our Hinkley Point C grants panel. "I was inspired to take on a role as a trustee from a desire to be involved in charities that help so many people, to have a younger viewpoint on the board and to learn and inspire others. "One of the things I enjoy most is meeting people from different walks of life and learning from them. Hearing other experiences and viewpoints is invaluable. "Becoming a trustee is often thought of as a way to give back, but it’s so much more than that - it's an opportunity to learn and develop yourself whilst helping others. "Trusteeship has benefited my career immeasurably. It provides insight, develops my communication (especially listening!) skills, and adds experience. "I would definitely encourage anyone to consider becoming a trustee, no matter how old you are. So often I speak to young people who don’t feel that they have as much to add to an organisation as more experienced trustees, but what they add is invaluable - a different perspective and a different thought process. Be proud of that!" Mary Hancock, Operations Director of SCF comments: "Michelle’s deep understanding of all things charity finance makes her ideally placed to serve as Somerset Community Foundation’s treasurer. But it’s actually her ability to help other trustees interpret the numbers, her patience and open-mindedness, and her passion for increasing the diversity of voices around the boardroom table that make her an ideal trustee.” To find out more about becoming a Trustee in Somerset, please click the link below.

I just couldn’t give up on life when there are others to whom I could offer my many years of experience to help and support."

"My personal experiences have instilled a strong desire to ‘pay it forward’ and ensure that others have the same chance for growth and self-improvement."

"Trusteeship gives me a focus and a sense of achievement and has enabled me to meet loads of fantastic like-minded people.”

“Being part of the team here has allowed me to learn, form deep friendships, make a small difference towards making life a little bit better, and do some collective good!"

Grahame is Chair of Trustees at Spark Somerset and has a career spanning health and social care, education, consulting and financial services. He is a member of the Somerset Integrated Care Board and is passionate about the value of collaboration with the local VCSE. Here, he shares with us why volunteering is so important to him and how it led him to join the Spark Somerset Board. “My volunteering story began in health and social care. Whilst working at Weston General Hospital , I supported the volunteers there and soon realised that, in many areas, the hospital would grind to a halt without their smiling, can do approach . “This highlighted to me the range of voluntary roles in health and social care and so, when the pandemic hit, I volunteered at local vaccination centres for the Red Cross, NHS and Festival Medical Services, and became a Covid Community Champion with Spark Somerset. Through these roles I was able to assure, amuse, listen, inform and share with people who were unsure. “It's great to meet so many people, both volunteers and the public - to share a moment or a story which demonstrates how human we all are. “Subsequently, I have established a Good Neighbours scheme in my local community, working with a small band of volunteers to support people to go shopping, collect prescriptions, attend medical appointments and share a cup of coffee. “ Thinking of others reduces your own woes, helps you focus on the benefits you can give and share with others, and creates opportunities to meet other, like minded people." “Charities across Somerset are being asked to support more residents, often those who have particularly struggled with the impacts of the pandemic. As such, demand for Spark Somerset’s services has increased and the Spark Somerset team have excelled in getting to be at the negotiating table, especially around the health and social care agenda , and being listened to as they make the case for the work of our Somerset charities. “That has resulted in further activities being commissioned by the NHS and Somerset County Council which have been shared directly with the charities we have been able to represent.” Katherine Nolan, CEO of Spark Somerset, comments, “Grahame’s appointment is a perfect fit and will greatly support us and the sector as we work together to make sure the residents of Somerset get the support they need when they need it.” Grahame continues, “I hope my experience and expertise will help Katherine and her team as we amplify the voice of local voluntary community and social enterprise organisations. "I consider it a great privilege to work with the Spark Somerset board and staff team, for whom the local VCSE sector and the population it serves is at the heart of all they do." If Grahame's story has inspired you to get involved in volunteering, click on the link below.