#TrusteesWeek – some reflections on being a Groundswell trustee

#TrusteesWeek – some reflections on being a Groundswell trustee
10/11/2023 elvina

‘To be a trustee of a forward thinking and dynamic charity like Groundswell is an honour and a privilege.’

For #TrusteesWeek, our chair of trustees Gina Rowlands and trustee and chair of People Committee Rob Frier have shared their thoughts and experiences of what it’s like being a Groundswell trustee.

Gina says

‘To be a trustee of a forward thinking and dynamic charity like Groundswell is an honour and a privilege. It is also humbling to volunteer alongside others who daily are supporting and advocating for some of the most vulnerable in society. To be able to put to good use my own skills and experience for the benefit of the Charity whilst continuing to learn and develop is rewarding and good for the soul. Being a Trustee in an area you believe in makes life more meaningful and together with the wider team, we are making a significant change for good.’

And Rob reflects:

‘I’ve been a trustee at Groundswell for just over a year and a half and I Chair the People Committee. I joined for a number of reasons, firstly I wanted to have the opportunity to be involved in supporting a fantastic organisation and being Trustee has allowed me to do this through sharing the knowledge, experience and contacts I have accumulated in my career. Secondly, I wanted the opportunity to meet exciting and influential people and strengthen my professional network. I also wanted the opportunity to put the learning around charity governance I had gained from a PCG in Leadership and Management in the Homeless Sector, I had previously gained.’

Reflecting over the past 18 months I can safely say that I have managed, and continue to, meet all of my initial desires in joining the Board, and so much more! I find my Trustee role professionally invigorating – Seeing the impact of the charity, hearing about the progression of the volunteers, having contact with truly inspirational people, learning from my fellow Trustees, and making new friends. All of this goes a long way to making the time I put into my role enjoyable, and not like a chore at all.

Groundswell was my first choice to apply to for a Board position because of their reputation for addressing inequality through Inclusion, Peer led work, Coproduction. It is a honour to be in a position to help shape the future of such a well-regarded and important charity such as Groundswell.’

Read more about all of our wonderful trustees