Duns Fair Share – Carol Ann Pease

1. What motivated you to become a trustee?

Having volunteered with the Food Bank for quite some time, I was interested in helping it to expand its offering and joined the Committee, where I felt I had some skills that might be useful.

Becoming a registered charity meant that there needed to be a Board of Trustees rather than just a committee. We had no hesitation in making the transition because we could see how having a properly constituted Board could enhance our status and increase our opportunities to raise vital funds, as well as help us when dealing with other partners.

I wanted to be part of that journey.

2. Can you describe your role and responsibilities as a trustee?

At the moment I am the interim Chair of the Board. This means that I:

• Call and set the agenda for the Board meetings as well as chairing them
• Oversee the recruitment of volunteers and of new Board members
• Nurture a team ethos among other Board members
• Keep in touch with our amazing volunteers with visits and newsletters etc.
• Communicate and liaise with our essential partners
• Ensure that good governance is implemented and that we operate within OSCR guidelines (this is surprisingly more straightforward than it sounds)
• Support other Board members in their roles (I am particularly keen that every key role should have a back up and no Board member should take on too much.)
• Develop a strategy for the future and an implementation plan to support it
• Work with the Treasurer on grant applications and evaluations
• Encourage regular fundraising events

3. What skills or knowledge have you gained through your time as a trustee?

I’m beginning to get a grasp of the administrative demands, though things can still occasionally take me by surprise.

Every one of us on the Board is also a hard working volunteer, so know first hand that volunteers need to be actively valued, supported and thanked regularly.

I think I have learned to be more patient with people.

4. What challenges have you faced as a trustee and how have you overcome them?

Life events for a few Board members and volunteers that could not have been anticipated have led to the sudden loss of key people. This is where we began to appreciate the importance of sharing skills and information so that we reduced the chance of being unable to step up smoothly whenever these things happen.

Recruiting volunteers has been very difficult. We are looking at making changes to the way we operate in order to make volunteering more attractive. We are also hoping to give talks on volunteering with us to local groups.

Succession planning for key roles and Board membership is also difficult. I am currently writing role descriptors for the main positions so we can direct people to them if they want to volunteer with us.

5. What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a trustee?

For me it has been being part of a strong, supportive team of people who share our objectives and values. Seeing a plan come together – we successfully obtained a significant grant this year. Meeting people who benefit from the work we do.

6. How has your experience as a trustee impacted your personal or professional life?

I am retired, so have been able to draw on some of my professional experience. Personally, being a Trustee (and a volunteer) gives purpose to my day. I am sometimes too busy so try to delegate appropriately.

7. Has your trustee role led to any new opportunities, including employment or board positions?

I’ve been approached by other vol org boards recently but I am conserving my time and energy by serving on one Board.

8. What impact do you feel you’ve made within the organisation or community?

I hope I was able to ensure some stability when we went through several shocks last year as life events meant we lost some key people. I’d like to think I am leading a functional Board with shared values and shared vision.

9. Would you encourage others to consider becoming a trustee? Why?

Absolutely. Being a Trustee means you can have a voice in the direction of the Charity and share your ideas. You can also enjoy being part of a thoughtful team. It is a very fulfilling thing to do.

10. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience as a trustee?

Make sure you share the values of the charity and that you understand its priorities and purpose. Trustees give freely of their precious time and mutual respect at Board level is vital. It is also a lot of fun most of the time.