The Benefits of Being a Trustee
After attending a talk hosted by the Plymouth Junior Chamber on the benefits of being a trustee I decided to take the plunge and become a trustee for a great local charity; The Woolwell Centre.
The Woolwell Centre is an organisation embarking on a journey from being a well run charity to a self sufficient social enterprise business. It is a charity in the heart of Woolwell that strives to support local individuals and businesses alike through its trading activities as a business. These include hosting parties, encouraging voluntary work and running events and classes, all with the aim to enhance the lives of the local community in Woolwell and its surrounding areas.
Since becoming a trustee I have found there to be countless benefits including personal development as a businessman and a person, meeting lots of other local and influential business people and the fantastic feeling of helping out a local charity and seeing the people who benefit.
As a trustee you are at the centre of the action, helping to make important decisions and ensure the services the charity provides meet the needs of the people they are serving.
When I first became a trustee I was unsure what I would be able to offer the charity. However, over time I’ve discovered that I have particular skills and experience that I did not fully appreciate. These are put to good use to benefit the local community and provide a better service for the people who need it.
By investing my time, I am finding that I am learning new skills and gaining confidence in a whole range of areas – from finance and management, through to team working and decision-making. All of these I am sure will stand me in good stead in the future, both in my personal and business life.
Anyone from any background can become a trustee as charities need a wide range of skills and experience to help them support the individuals and businesses they serve.
If you would like to find out more about being a trustee and whether it is for you, then please make contact with the Plymouth Junior Chamber at www.plymouthjuniorchamber.co.uk. Alternatively, email me direct via james.peterson@gillakaster.com. If you would like to join me on the fantastic adventure at The Woolwell Centre, or just want to find out more, then please get in touch. We are still looking to recruit further members to our board, adding to the already strong and diverse board members in situ.
James Peterson, Trustee at The Woolwell Centre
James Peterson, Solicitor