It’s National Trustees Week which gives an opportunity for local VCFSE organisations across West Northamptonshire to celebrate the work of their Trustees.

Volunteer Trustees have a difficult task within a challenging environment, and they do so with care, passion, diligence, resilience, and skill.

As the CEO of VIN, I would like to thank my Trustee Board for the support they give me and the Team.

In the spirit of National Trustees Week, I asked one of my own Glenn Dudman to pen his thoughts on all things Trustee related.

Glenn states:

Becoming a Trustee was an opportunity to use the skills and experience I have gained throughout my career to support an organisation that makes a real difference in people’s lives. Having worked across both the public and voluntary sectors, I have always valued the role that charities play in strengthening communities and supporting those who need help most. When the opportunity arose to join the Board of Trustees at VIN, I saw it as a chance to contribute strategically and help ensure the organisation could continue delivering its important work.

Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. They are often described as the “guardians of purpose”, ensuring that the organisation remains focused on its charitable aims and that decisions are made in the best interests of beneficiaries. Trustees help shape strategy, oversee governance, safeguard assets and reputation, and ensure charities are run sustainably and effectively.

For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a Trustee has been the opportunity to use my professional experience in a completely different context. My career has included roles in logistics management within the automotive industry, where I became a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport, as well as experience within mental health charities and, more recently, criminal justice. Each of these roles has provided valuable insights into leadership, operational management, and community support, all of which I can bring to my role with VIN.

My experience so far has been overwhelmingly positive. It has been both interesting and challenging to see how a charity operates at a strategic level and to work alongside fellow Trustees and staff who are passionate about achieving positive outcomes. While Trusteeship carries responsibilities, including difficult decisions at times, these challenges are balanced by the satisfaction of knowing that your contribution helps strengthen the organisation and enhance the support it provides to those who need it.

If you’re thinking about becoming a Trustee, I would strongly encourage you to consider it. Many people underestimate the value of the skills and experience they can bring. Charities need Trustees from a wide range of backgrounds and sectors, and there are opportunities for people at different stages of their careers. In fact, it is estimated that almost half of all charities are looking for Trustees at any given time.

Trusteeship offers far more than the chance to give something back. It provides valuable experience in strategy, leadership, governance, risk management, influence, and decision-making. It can broaden your perspective, strengthen your professional skills, and enhance your CV. Even for those with extensive experience, serving on a board can provide fresh challenges, new ways of thinking and significant personal development.

My advice to potential new Trustees is simple: don’t wait until you think you’re the finished article. If you are committed to the organisation’s purpose, willing to learn and prepared to contribute your skills and experience, you already have something valuable to offer. Being a Trustee has been one of the most rewarding learning experiences of my professional life, and I would encourage anyone considering it to take that first step.

Notes:

Glenn Dudman is a Trustee of VIN and a professional with broad experience across both the public and voluntary sectors. Currently working in criminal justice, he brings a strong background in administration and operational management. Previously, he was a logistics manager in the automotive industry and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport. He has also worked with mental health charities, gaining valuable insight into community support services. He lives in Northamptonshire.