Trustee Case Study - Heidi
Name of organisation you are a Trustee with:
Third Sector Leaders Kirklees
How did you find out about becoming a Charity Trustee?
I found out about becoming a Trustee with Third Sector Leaders Kirklees as I am a member and they put out a plea at a members meeting.
I have been a Trustee/Non Executive Director for other organisations in the past, so I knew the importance of the role of Trustees in terms of governance and shaping the future of the organisation.
My day job is running GLINT, a small grass roots social enterprise and these types of smaller organisations are often overlooked and under-represented, so I felt it was important that there was someone on the Board to speak up for these smaller organisations.
Being a Trustee is a two-way exchange of information. As Treasurer I work alongside the paid staff especially the Finance Officer and Chief Operating Officer and have an overview of the finances from the Board perspective rather than a staff perspective. This includes bouncing around ideas and looking at how the members want to see the financial information presented. I am able to look at our expenditure and consider if the services TSL pays for, such as insurance, are offering us good value for money.
Although I am not from a financial background, running a small organisation means that I need to have skills in all areas of the business, including our finances, which is great in my role as Treasurer, but also enables to me to have an input across the board with regard to the wider aspects of TSL’s activities.
How has becoming a Charity Trustee made a difference to your life?
Becoming a Trustee has definitely introduced me to a lot of contacts and connections which I otherwise wouldn’t have made. It has also raised my personal profile and organisation profile within Kirklees. There is a certain level of kudos that goes hand in hand with being a Trustee for a recognised and well- respected organisation and it has broadened my horizons.
Also, going back to the fact that I run a very small organisation, being part of the TSL Board has given me opportunities to bounce around ideas for GLINT, that are often limited when you don’t have a big team around you – the TSL Board is made up of some very experienced Trustees who are always happy to offer support.
What would you say to encourage other people to consider becoming a Charity Trustee?
I would encourage others considering being a Trustee to view it as a positive opportunity and a worthwhile challenge. When you are involved in your own organisation you can become insular. My role on the board has helped me look at the bigger picture and where we fit within the sector (both GLINT and TSL Kirklees.)
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experience as a Trustee?
I am really proud of where we have got to with Third Sector Leaders Kirklees – I joined when we were just a membership organisation and since then we have grown and been awarded some large contracts. I am proud to be part of our huge transformation, it is very special, and it’s not the kind of opportunity that comes along very often – I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. As a result of everyone’s efforts, TSL is now the first point of call for the sector and delivers some amazing work. The respect that TSL now has from Kirklees Council and other bodies and partners we are engaged with is quite phenomenal.