I had been volunteering for Emmaus Gloucestershire for quite some time before I was invited to become a trustee in 2024. It felt like a natural progression – I’m so invested in Emmaus Gloucestershire, as you can tell from my volunteer story, so I was happy to give more time.
The highlights
What I enjoy most about being a trustee is when I get to represent Emmaus Gloucestershire. If I’m in the Superstore volunteering and there’s a situation where a trustee or senior staff member is needed, I’ll be introduced as a trustee. It feels good to give that kind of support and represent the organisation to someone who might appreciate the fact that there’s a trustee being hands on there in the moment.
It’s also nice getting to know the other trustees. We’re a collaborative group, and everyone takes an active role. Trustee boards often seem very business or finance focused, which of course they have to be, but that’s not my background. Governance and safeguarding were strong parts of my working life before I retired, so I understand those areas very well, plus any kind of medical matters in terms of policies.
I also aim to be a ‘questioning friend’ to the senior managers and organisation because that’s what my experienced trustee friends tell me being a trustee is all about! It’s never in a bad way, but more collaborative, asking questions like ‘why do we do this?’ or ‘can we do that better?’ It’s about having those two-way conversations and working as a team.
Advice to potential trustees
As trustees at Emmaus Gloucestershire, we have board meetings quarterly, plus budget meetings, the AGM, and occasional ad hoc tasks. It’s not onerous, maybe an hour every fortnight, but it might be more or less than that sometimes.
If someone is thinking about becoming a trustee at Emmaus Gloucestershire, I’d say do it! If you’re wondering about it, you’re halfway there. Come find out more and talk to us. We’re a friendly bunch and need trustees from all different backgrounds. I don’t want anyone thinking – ‘oh, will I fit in?’ – if you’re good at what you do, can contribute in a really positive, cooperatively way, then you’d be welcome.
Looking ahead
In the short term, I want to see our Cheltenham shop continue to settle in and really get the local people involved there. This will contribute to the funds we need to continue to create a strong community for those who live with us and to provide support for as long as they need or want it. We do have other projects in progress at the moment, so the focus will be on completing those.