Liz Green (recently made an Alderman of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames) gives her reflections on finding her feet in the world of voluntary sector trusteeship/board member:
Whilst I had been a volunteer in various organisations for many years, I took on my first voluntary board member/Trustee role first in 2021 and despite my many professional roles I approached trusteeship with a certain nervousness. Now I am Chair of Friends of Anstee Bridge and last year I hosted a packed Trustees Week training masterclass in the Kingston Guildhall, so I have clearly moved on from those early times.
The organisation I first joined was St Martin of Tours, based in Central London, who are a housing association for people with complex mental health needs. A lot of my volunteer roles have centred around mental health, as it is an issue close to my heart. Whilst, I feel, it’s not essential to volunteer in a role that moves you, the organisation does have to fit with your values. So, for me, it seemed an obvious step to move to more local groups that also help with mental health but this time amongst young people.
I recall, when I joined St Martin’s, I was warmly welcomed by the other board members and officers and got stuck straight in. It was different to the more personal, hands-on type of volunteering support I was used to, but it is just as rewarding. There had been a period of flux in the organisation, so I, along with the other board members, started looking at updating the organisation’s vision and goals, alongside ensuring the quality of services, financial sustainability and better working with stakeholders and the community. As a regulated services working with NHS and local authorities, there are multiple aspects to this work, but putting clients and service users first was a must for me. Their voice was vital in the running of the service, so we took time to listen to what they want and need.
Friends of Anstee Bridge, on the other hand, is a small charity, has no staff and is mostly about fundraising for the Anstee Bridge Project which helps young people with social, emotional or mental health difficulties. I was one of the founder trustees and this time I needed to learn more about grant giving organisations and running events to raise money.
During my time as a Trustee, I’ve always worked – first as a Councillor in a leading position then self-employed – and I’ve got a family and I like to find time for my other hobbies. When I first started, I worried that the time element would make it difficult for me, but that wasn’t the case. Board meetings every other month in the early evening, a few emails and papers to read through, some mandatory training and an occasionally away day, can all be fitted around my existing commitments.
The reward of joining a board comes in knowing that my work will help change the clients lives for the better. I’m glad I made the step up to Trustee status as this has given me the chance to use my skillset to support our voluntary sector. I firmly believe there is a board member/trustee opportunity out there for everyone – you just need to give it a try.
Liz Green