Trust in Our Trustees!
04 November 2010
Daniel Ratchford became a trustee of Keep Britain Tidy earlier this year. Here Daniel explains what is expected of him in his role as trustee and why he decided to become part of Keep Britain Tidy.
He says: "I found out that Keep Britain Tidy was looking for new trustees in a very modern way, through Twitter. And it's great to be involved with an organisations that uses new technology in this way.
"My wife has been a trustee of the National Childminding Association for three years, so I already had a good understanding of the time commitments of the role. And although I have a busy job (I'm Strategic Director of Environment and Leisure at the London Borough of Sutton), I knew I would be able to fit it in. The key commitment is to a board meeting four times a year (usually overnight, and away from London). My employers have been understanding too, and at the end of the day it's just about good time management. They also recognise that the experience I'll gain as a trustee will help me develop in my day job too.
"Since I joined the board, there's only been one meeting - the annual strategy away-day. This was hard work, and fascinating - the current economic climate brings massive challenges, and opportunities, for all voluntary sector organisations, and Keep Britain Tidy is no different. But I immediately felt able to play my part in these discussions, which was great. The range of experience and views of the other trustees was really impressive too - I'm looking forward to working with them over the next few years.
"One of the personal challenges for me as a trustee is to recognise that the role is about steering, governance and oversight - not the usual detail of operations and management that I am used to in my day job. I'll need to work on this, I think!
"The voluntary sector plays a hugely significant role in our society; and I'm passionate that its boards should reflect as wide a range of backgrounds, views and experience as possible. It's especially important that working people should be able to participate. We have an awful lot to offer; but charities (and our employers) need to be flexible enough in their demands on us to make this possible. I'm delighted to be playing my part."
To find out more about our other trustees click here