Meet the Trustees!
Trustees oversee everything a charity does. They ensure that their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A Trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of beneficiaries first.
They also safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.
Trustees don’t usually do the day-to-day running of the charity, with this being delegated to staff. Instead, they play the role of a ‘critical friend’ by giving support and by challenging – in a supportive way – to help them manage effectively. However, in smaller charities with few staff, Trustees may take hands-on roles too.
At Leeds Mencap, we're lucky to have a lovely team of dedicated Trustees who volunteer their expertise in a range of areas and work together to help Leeds Mencap thrive!
Trustee Craig Williams has kindly taken the time to share more about his role.
What inspired/ motivated you to become a Trustee for Leeds Mencap?
My career was based on supporting vulnerable groups in education, training and personal development and I was keen to use my skills, experiences and network in an appropriate voluntary role and jumped at the chance to join Leeds Mencap.
What kind of tasks do you do as a Trustee?
I provide strategic leadership, support to management and oversight on operational and financial performance at Board and other appropriate settings. I also carry my role around with me and promote Leeds Mencap services and profile when networking.
As a Board, we are responsible and accountable to the Charity Commission and Companies House for the operational delivery of all services and overall performance of Leeds Mencap. This involves appropriate oversight in line with the strategy and objectives.
In total I estimate that my Trustee role involves two or three days a month.
What are the benefits/ most rewarding aspects of being a Trustee?
I am mindful of pressures of the public purse and the needs of vulnerable young people and their families/carers. Statutory services are receding and can be complicated to engage and access appropriate support.
Not for profit organisations such as Leeds Mencap seek to support and advocate for vulnerable young people and their families/carers and thereby compliment and enhance statutory services. As such, this fundamental strategy and the associated values involved, make being a Trustee a very satisfying experience in terms of contributing and supporting (especially on tough issues). At the same time, I am expanding my understanding of the issues involved with services as well as enhancing my skills in strategic oversight and governance of performance governance with fellow Trustees (which also enhance my network).
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a Trustee?
Do your research!
Is Leeds Mencap an appropriate fit for you?
Can you commit the required time and energy and keep your ‘eyes wide open’?
Quality Trustee work is fine when ‘the ship is steady’ but a real test of commitment is in ‘choppy waters’ and the role invariable involves both (i.e. complacency and need to roll sleeves up).
What is the most important thing you want people to know about Leeds Mencap?
Our purpose (known as Objects) involves supporting children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs, and their families/carers with regard to learning, education, welfare and well-being at a time of increasing need and real pressure on services, Leeds Mencap is here to assist by making a positive contribution and impact on young people’s lives so they and their families and carers are in the best position to realise their young people’s potential to live a fulfilling life in Leeds and beyond.
You can meet our other Trustees here
Interested in becoming a Leeds Mencap Trustee? Click here to find out more!
