A thank you to all Trustees and Board Members
Michael Kitching, CEO of Voluntary Norfolk, thanks trustees and encourages people across Norfolk to think about supporting their local communities and charities by becoming a trustee.
“Every day across Norfolk, people give their time to help others, whether that’s running lunch clubs, youth groups, community cafés and local charities. But behind every one of these groups are the trustees and volunteer board members. These are the unsung heroes who make sure everything runs safely, legally and fairly.
Trustees are volunteers who sit on the boards of charities and community organisations. They don’t get paid, but they take on big responsibilities. They help make the important decisions, check that money is well managed, and make sure their organisation is doing what it was set up to do. Without trustees, many local groups simply couldn’t run.
Good trustees bring a mix of skills and experience. Some come from business or the public sector, others bring knowledge of their local community or lived experience of the issues their charity supports. Together, they make sure their organisation is well led and focused on what really matters, namely helping people.
Being a trustee isn’t always easy. It does mean giving up time to read reports, attend meetings and make difficult choices, especially when money is tight. But it’s also hugely rewarding. Trustees get to see the difference their organisation makes to people’s lives, and to know that their advice and decisions help keep vital services going. At a time when we’re seeing society more divided than ever and when services are sadly being cut, the importance of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector has never been greater.
At Voluntary Norfolk, we work with hundreds of such charities and community groups across the county. Every one of them depends on its trustees and board members to stay strong and effective. Whether they’re running a small local food bank or a large charity supporting carers, trustees are the people who make sure things are done properly and for the right reasons.
As we mark Trustees’ Week (3rd to 7th November), I want to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to every trustee in Norfolk. You might not always be in the spotlight, but your hard work and dedication make all our communities stronger, kinder and better connected.
However, sadly the blunt reality is that we also need more trustees across the sector. A lack of experience shouldn’t be a barrier. What matters most is enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to learn. We especially need young people to take the reins and shape the future of local charities. So, whether you’re 18 or 80, live in Great Yarmouth or King’s Lynn, please think about getting involved. You can find out more at www.getinvolvednorfolk.org.uk.”
Michael Kitching (CEO of Voluntary Norfolk)
