Trustee Volunteers Needed
by Kathy Engler
We are looking for new volunteers to join our trustee group. Could this be you?
Being a trustee provides 40 CPD hours a year, but just as importantly it helps us to support our members and reach out to other groups to make sure our person-centred voice is being heard by those that have influence.
We meet online monthly on the first Sunday of the month and individuals contribute using their particular areas of skill, interest or expertise. We already have strong support with engagement, governance, information and administration so would really welcome anyone who can widen the diversity, experience and outlook of the trustees. We are a very supportive, respectful and welcoming group.
What to know more?
Jules, one of our former trustees shares her expereince of being a trustee below.
Email Kathy ( admin@the-pca.org.uk) to find our more or attend a trustee meeting in the autumn.
My experience of being a Trustee- Jules
I have been a trustee for two years, and there have been a number of changes on the board during this time. I'm actually one of the longest standing trustees (I know! only 2 years!) and I thought it might be helpful to say a little bit about what its been like (just in case there are other people who are considering joining up but don't know what to expect!).
In the first few months of being a trustee, I felt like I was quietly observing the process, not really sure where my place was, and I found that the rest of the trustee group were supportive of this, it took me a little while to get a sense of where I fit in. This isn't always the case and some trustees really hit the ground running from day one - I have learnt that both approaches are welcome!
Over time I learnt that everyone in the group brought their own special qualities. There was a lot of organisational skill, knowledge and experience around the table, and I felt like my contribution has been in offering little nuggets of suggestions and ideas in terms of growing tPCA community.
What I realised is that there isn't a 'typical' set of skills required to be a trustee, everyone has something to offer, you may be strategically minded, or may be a creative thinker or an excellent communicator. Whatever your walk of life or work experience, this can be helpful. It is also helpful to be passionate about the person-centred approach and its cause, to be curious and ask questions, ensuring that decisions are informed and have considered all possibilities before making the best decision for tPCA. You must be prepared to take the time to look at the data, and ask 'is tPCA achieving the strategic aim'? And if you can you look at the bigger picture for the future, asking how will tPCA benefit in the future from current operations, then you will be an asset to the trustee team.
I became a trustee because I like what tPCA stands for. What I have found is that being in the trustee group has been fun, its a really engaging and energetic group! I have loved being involved with discussing the strategic approach to sustaining a community where the person-centred approach can be discussed, practiced and supported.