In 2022 I moved to the area and also left a job of 20+ years, so pretty life changing. I started working in a freelance capacity, which gave me more freedom and flexibility in my working week.
My other half spotted the Berkswell Charities Trustee vacancy advert on social media and suggested I apply. I’d never considered becoming a trustee of a charity and didn’t feel qualified, so initially ignored his suggestion. After some persuasion to at least find out more, I had an informal coffee and chat with two of the existing trustees to gain a better understanding of the Charities purpose and what that involved.
My appetite had been whetted. I applied and was invited to an interview. Naïvely I assumed it would be easy, in fact a ‘walk over’, so was not only taken aback by the whole Board being in attendance but the level and intensity of the questions asked. I was totally unprepared, and this quickly demonstrated that a Charity is a ‘business’ and you can’t just swan into a position. My recommendation would be to prepare like you would for any other interview. The Board must have spotted something, as I was invited to join and attended my first Board meeting in January 2024.
What I love about being a Trustee of Berkswell Charities: It allows me the opportunity to share my experience and expertise from my 30+ years in marketing and communications. Just as importantly, it gives me the chance to hopefully make a difference and to ‘give back’. From a relatively poor background, brought up in social housing, I’ve been lucky and successful in my career which has given me opportunities I appreciate not everyone has access to. I like to think that everyone in life should have a chance.
Biggest surprise: The time commitment, the number of emails received, and the reading required to keep up with the many projects which are happening at any one time. Although there is just one Board meeting a month, there is ongoing communication and several sub committees and separate projects.
Loveliest experience: Spending time with the residents of the Almshouses, whether that was at a fish and chip tea, or the summer party or visiting their homes to check in on them and carrying out a maintenance inspection, it’s great to find out more about them and offers the more personal social side to being a trustee.
Most challenging element: As a trustee we need to act collectively. In business, mostly everyone comes from a similar background and there is usually someone who has the final decision. As a trustee, it’s essential to listen and respect everyone’s opinion. We all bring very different skills and personalities and it’s important that we make the most of that experience for the benefit of how the charity is run.
How does Berkswell Charities help the local community? The most visible element of the Charities work are the Almshouses in Berkswell Village and Burton Green. There is much more that goes on behind the scenes and which maybe isn’t recognised by the local community. Both the Church and the School are beneficiaries of Berkswell Charities but the trustees also look to support the wider requests received from a number of different groups and individuals who have a need.
I don’t have any regrets in becoming a trustee. I’ve made some friends within the Board and feel as if I’ve been catapulted into the local community. I feel in a very short time I’ve become involved and hopefully am making a difference. My biggest regret is that my work commitments mean that I’ve had to step back from some of the projects I was initially involved in, but still hope that I can influence and input into any decision making.
Alison Oldham