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.
Sarah Ball is a voluntary sector representative on WVCA’s board and works with Trailblazers Mentoring, a national charity set up to mentor young offenders (18-25), with the primary objective of helping to reduce their re-offending.
How did you become a charity trustee?
I have been working in the voluntary sector for nearly 10 years with several different roles, my main areas of expertise are within the criminal justice system. Being a resident of Wolverhampton when I was approached to become a trustee I obviously accepted with a vested interest of what is happening within my own community. I wanted to use my knowledge and skills to make an impact within the sector.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a trustee?
For a board to be a strong effective one, there needs to be a representation of diverse groups bringing a range of skills and experiences to best suit the charity to have a range of perspectives from different sectors. Not one person is an expert but a collective of people bringing a skill set that merges into perfect unison.
What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a trustee?
Do your research and if you are thinking of becoming a trustee. Understand the services and ensure that the mission and values align with your own. Take into account the time commitment, and what value you can add to the board. To make the biggest impact bring your strength and ideas and make a strong commitment to support the charity.