Celebrating Our Trustees on Trustees’ Week

Who are trustees and what do they do?

Trustees are individuals who are responsible for the management of third sector organisations, usually making decisions on their behalf. They are normally a group of volunteers who work together, forming the governing body of the organisation, also known as the Board. 

What are the responsibilities of Trustees?

Here are some important roles they are responsible for:

• Understanding the aims of the organisation and the work it does within the community
• Act in the best interest of the organisation
• Keep up to date with legislation
• Attend Board meeting
• Promote the work of the organisation
• Read papers prior to meeting and take part in decision making on behalf of the organisation. 

Forum Central Board of Trustees

At Forum Central there are three Boards of Trustees which meet regularly to ensure the smooth running of the organisations and partnership. 

• Forums Partnership Board- currently meets quarterly
• Leeds Older People’s Forum Board
• Volition Board- currently meets monthly

Here are some of our Trustees and their experiences

Hi, my name is Ruth. I’ve been a Volition Trustee for too many years!  About 10.

What made you want to be a trustee/how did you become a trustee?

I had been a trustee before of a local organisation but had to step down for a while once I had my daughter as I couldn’t find the time. Being a trustee is something I enjoy, I can use my skills and experience in a different way and can give back to the sector

What does being a trustee mean to you?

It means I can support an organisation that I know will not receive much funding for infrastructure (if it’s a VCSE organisation) to be the best it can be and make the most difference with the resources it has, I can support the exec of the organisation strategically but also personally as it can be a tough job.  I also learn from others on the board all the time and build connections and networks.

Can you share one high and one low of your experience as a trustee?

I am committed to the vision and purpose of volition and forum central so it’s always a highlight being a part of that process in any way I can be.  I wouldn’t say there have been low points, we have had to manage periods of major change which can always prove challenging but again we just work through it until we get a positive outcome – however long that takes.  We have expanded rapidly, and equally are now contracting, that is always a challenge (both ways)

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a trustee?

Do it, think about what you have to offer and whether you need any support, even if that is how to find the time,  find a buddy on the board.  Being a trustee is a great opportunity both to learn and to give, don’t hold back because you think you don’t have enough knowledge or experience, just be open to learning.

Hi, my name is Steve Hoey. I’ve been a Volition Trustee for one year.

What made you want to be a trustee/how did you become a trustee?

I wanted to be connected in with the Third Sector at a city level, particularly in the health space. I have been a trustee of different organisations in the past, and felt I had a lot to offer Volition/Forum Central as I have worked at a senior level in the VCSE sector for 30 years.

What does being a trustee mean to you?

It means taking an active interest in the organisation, the sector, reading the papers, turning up to meetings, contributing in every meeting, and being an advocate for the organisation and the sector whenever possible in my day to day work.

Can you share one high and one low of your experience as a trustee?

A low has been seeing the decline of the sector over the last 4 years; charities are really struggling, more as time goes by. A high is being part of the great team at Volition, of trustees and staff all working hard together and pooling talents.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a trustee?

I would recommend being a trustee; I have served on several boards over 20+ years – it has given me a lot of insight, learning, skills and experience, and it looks pretty good on your CV too!