We need you!

In September there will be a space on the board of NWR trustees. Could you fill it? Chair of trustees Gill Wignall explains what is involved.

Being a trustee offers many challenges, but it is an interesting job and there is a lot of support from the other trustees, our experienced staff, and various professional bodies. Because we have a small number of staff who must deal with every aspect of running a membership organisation, NWR trustees may be asked to take on extra tasks, when needed. We help each other to try to find the best ways forward for all members of NWR, and even if you think that you have no specific skills, believe me, you will have much to contribute.

When I applied to become a trustee in 2018, I was quite surprised to find myself on the board as I didn’t think that I had any relevant qualifications and had never worked in the charity sector. However, I was an enthusiastic, long-term member of NWR and, as an independent member, I was keen to try and improve their member benefits. It has certainly been a steep learning curve, but there has been lots of support and training along the way, as well as much fun and laughter. I was honorary treasurer for two years and now I somehow find myself chair of trustees—how did that happen? Although I may sometimes wonder what I’m doing, I do enjoy it and I really believe that it’s good to take yourself out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges. There

A glimpse of life as a trustee

What’s it like to be a trustee and why do it? These are questions you might ask if you are considering putting yourself forward in response to Gill’s message. There will be an empty post in September as I will be standing down at the AGM.

is, of course, the added benefit of meeting so many interesting people and making new friends along the way. You can read retiring trustee Jennifer Johnson’s thoughts on her experiences on the right.

You may not always agree with the decisions we have made, so now is the time to step up, join us as a trustee, and make a difference.

If you are interested and would like to discuss the role, please contact any of the trustees, via the NWR Office: office@nwr.org.uk.

What is the role of an NWR Trustee?

The Board of Trustees are jointly responsible for:

■ Ensuring NWR is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

This includes ensuring that its activities are consistent with those set out in its governing document, planning what NWR will do and what it will achieve and understanding how NWR benefits the public.

■ Compliance with NWR’s governing document and the law

■ Acting in NWR’s best interests

Managing NWR’s resources responsibly

Trustees must ensure that NWR’s assets are only used to support or carry out its stated purposes, no inappropriate financial risks are taken and that it complies with any restrictions on spending funds.

■ Acting with reasonable care and skill Being accountable

This covers statutory accounting and recording requirements as well as being able to demonstrate to members that NWR is complying with the law, well run and effective. Four trustee meetings are held each year, taking place via Zoom and in person. Trustees also attend regular finance meetings. They have the opportunity to become involved in additional projects and activities; however, the day to day operations of NWR are the responsibility of the National Organiser, who is supported by other staff members.

So why did I become a trustee in 2016? I had recently retired and returned to the UK after working in China, and I wanted to keep busy. I saw the call for a new trustee and thought it would be a good idea to keep me out of mischief, and it has! I had been an NWR member since 1975 and it was a brilliant source of friends who welcomed me into their groups in many parts of the country as we moved around. I even found a group in Hong Kong where we lived for many years. I was now interested to see how NWR worked and to get the National perspective on this organisation that had given me so much.

I had enjoyed going to some Regional and National events, but had not ventured too far from my local group. I realised that I had taken for granted everything that had been provided for all of us by this mysterious National Office, where I now know that we have a group of highly professional staff who do so much to keep us all going. My motivation throughout has been to “pay something back” and also to learn.

My time as a trustee certainly has been one of learning. One of the key lessons has been how to use Teams and Zoom but I guess that was the same for many of us. I have also enjoyed meeting people from the different groups and working closely with some of them. It has been interesting being part of the process of moving NWR forward in an increasingly digital world. Being a trustee is an opportunity to bring your expertise from whatever field it is in and to share it, making our organisation stronger and healthier, and keeping it moving forward.

Jennifer Johnson Trustee