Our board members share what being a trustee means to them

This #TrusteesWeek, some of our brilliant board members share why they became a trustee and what it means to them.

Together Active’s board chair Malcolm Armstrong says:

“I became a trustee for three reasons:

• I really feel passionate about the role of physical activity and sport in improving the quality of people’s lives.
• I wanted to put something back into society at a strategic level using the knowledge, skills and understanding I had developed over my career.
• One of my core values is pro Bono work.

It means being able to work with other highly skilled colleagues on the Board to impact in Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent.

My advice would be to think carefully about what you can bring to an organisation and then to give it serious commitment. Maybe observe a Board meeting before you finally commit.”

Board member Toyin Higgs says:

“I became a trustee of Together Active to carry on the work started as SASSOT.

Being a trustee means that I understand the responsibility I have to others.

I’d encourage others to get involved and become a Trustee as each of us have a unique contribution that we can make and can add value. Our unique identities can add value through diversity in thought as well as through other characteristics.”

Board member Sharon Heath says:

“I was keen to join the Together Active board so that I could use my financial expertise in Charity Finance, along with my background of working for a number of not for profit establishments to support the vision of Together Active.

It also gives me pleasure knowing that I am giving back to the community and helping to make a difference to the lives of others.

Advice I’d give to someone becoming a trustee for the first time is to take the time to get to know the organisation, fellow trustees and the organisations employees. Also accept any training offered as it’s there to assist you perform to the best of your ability.”