Trustees’ Week is a time for us to come together to celebrate the achievements of nearly one million trustees across the UK.
As part of Trustees’ Week 2023 we are shining a light on some of WVCA’s trustees to thank them for the time, commitment and effort they bring to our organisation.
Pamela Cole-Hudson is a voluntary sector representative and Co-Chair of WVCA’s board and works with Gazebo Theatre in Education Company, a charity that delivers a comprehensive range of high-quality and innovative theatre productions and arts programmes for audiences, schools and communities.
How did you become a charity trustee?
WVCA (WVSC at the time) were seeking additional trustees who were representative of the local voluntary sector. As somebody who has worked within the Wolverhampton voluntary sector for my whole career- including setting up my own small charity upon leaving University, in my local area, and as somebody really passionate about the power and value of the sector, I felt that this would be a great organisation to become a board member of.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a trustee?
It has been great to gain a strong understanding of another organisation from a board perspective and in particular a deeper understanding of governance. It has also been great to learn from others around the board table and hear a range of perspectives.
What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a trustee?
Go for it! I think in the same way that sitting on an interview panel is helpful in your own understanding of what an interviewer is looking for when you are on the other side of the table and applying for a job – playing a role in a board gives an important and really useful perspective.
It’s also really important that we have representation and a range of voices around a board table to ensure charities and other organisations are serving their beneficiaries as well as they should, and are held to account. Don’t be afraid if you are new to being a trustee and don’t know all the lingo – you are there because you are needed and a valued member of the team overseeing the important work of an organisation.