Trustees are the people in charge of a charity who play a vital role, volunteering their time and working together to make important decisions about its work.
There are around 196,000 charities in the UK with over 1 million trustees – but we never hear too much about them.
So, this Trustees’ Week (2-6 November 2020) we thought we’d find out a bit more from one of our own at Chwarae Teg:
Alison Thorne, Trustee, Non-Executive Director and Chair of Chwarae Teg
- How long have you been a trustee at Chwarae Teg?
Nearly 4 years
- What made you apply to be a trustee here in the first place?
I am passionate about women’s equality and as I was moving back home to Wales I wanted to contribute to Wales.
- What have been your highlights during your time at Chwarae Teg?
Seeing the success of the Agile Nation program with women achieving new economic clout. Then there’s the changes that Welsh Government are committed to. Also the setting up of the Fairplay Employer scheme which will help deliver change in businesses and enable Chwarae Teg to flourish.
- Tell us a bit about the role of a trustee, what does it entail? How much work is it?
There is time in preparation and follow up to board meetings. I always want to serve on a committee so that I can understand the organisation and add value, so that doubles the board time. Plus it is important to be an ambassador for Chwarae Teg with events taking up around 2.5 to 3 days a month.
- What are the legal obligations/ duties of a trustee?
Simply, a trustee’s role is to scrutinize, to ensure all actions are correctly completed and in line with legislation, regulation and the terms of reference for the charity, plus to support the development of strategy and future performance.
- What would be your advice to anyone thinking of applying for a board position?
Do it! Everyone can add value from their experiences and knowledge. Know what you can bring to a board and realise that you can learn expertise in a board environment to take back into your own career.
- Is there anything else that you think we should know about being a trustee?
Find a charity that you care about, as you are giving your time it must be something you believe in and care about as well as giving value in skills and knowledge.