As it’s Trustees Week we thought what better way to celebrate by putting one of our trustees in the hot seat.  We sat down with Chris Inwood to find out what it takes to become a trustee and his reasons for getting involved with the charity.

So Chris, what motivated you to become a trustee?

My family has experienced the pain and distress the advance stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia has on loved ones. So, when I was approached and asked if I would be interested in becoming a trustee for a local charity that provides Alzheimer’s and dementia support services, I said yes seeing this as a positive way of using my professional skills and time to support a local charity whose aims are very close to my heart.

What skills do you use as a trustee?

I use the same skills as I do on a day to day basis at work and apply those to supporting the day to day business and future direction of the charity with the other trustees. The board of trustees are responsible for the governance and management of the charity. To be a trustee it is essential to have good communication skills and to be able to grasp the issues. It is our role to support the CEOs but also stretch and challenge them.

What is your level of involvement with the charity as a trustee?

I assist the Senior Management Team with budget monitoring, policy development, business planning, operational and property matters. But it’s not all process and accounts, there are opportunities to be creative around fund raising opportunities, events, marketing and branding.

How you think being a trustee helps with people’s professional development?

Employers do look favourably to those that have trustee experience on their CV’s and becoming a trustee as a younger professional gives you experience of operating at senior management level whilst working with and learning from other experienced professionals. This can only enhance your experience, leadership skills and career opportunities.

What would you say to anyone interested in becoming a trustee here at Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services?

If you are looking to use and develop your professional and personal skills to deliver charitable aims in the local community, contact us to arrange to meet our friendly and multi professional trustee board for an informal chat to find out what does it takes to join the team.

Thank you to Chris for taking the time to answer our questions and thank you to all of our trustees for everything they do to support the organisation.

If you are interested in becoming a trustee, please click here to see a list of the roles we have available.