Ann Lacey

1. First of all, about you: what attracted you to becoming a chair/trustee?

Initially because I was asked!  I was working as a Volunteer Coordinator and made contact with my local Volunteer Centre and the senior staff member asked me to get more involved!

2. Which organisation(s) do you represent?

I am Chair of Volunteer Centre Greenwich

3. What particularly attracted you to this organisation?

My interest and passion about volunteering.  I firmly believe that volunteers can make a difference to their local community but also the opportunity for them to gain skills and experience to add to their own personal development.  I also have a firm commitment to good practice in working with volunteers and part of the Volunteer Centre role is to guide local organisations to work within the guidelines to ensure volunteers and volunteer using organisations have a positive experience.

4. Is there anything that would make you an even more effective trustee/Chair?

Time!  There never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything completed.  It probably does not help my own volunteering as a Trustee and role as Chair that I work full time and have to take annual leave or “work” in the evenings to complete the role as well as I would wish.

5. What’s the biggest challenge you have faced in your role?

Fundraising and HR issues!  Overall fundraising is not too bad EXCEPT for core – why is it so hard to get core funding for a thriving organisation?  Also the issues regarding personnel matters and ensuring you are fulfilling your role as an employer for members of staff

6. What do you consider the most satisfying aspect of your role?

Working with a board of Trustees who are as committed to the organisation as I am!  Being part of an organisation that has a positive effect on encouraging members of the public to become volunteers.  Being able to promote a professional organisation and to be proud of the whole team of staff and Trustees.

7. Do you think there is enough general recognition of the value of the trustee/Chair role?

Not sure about this question – do any Trustees do it for the recognition – if they do then perhaps they are not undertaking the role for the right reasons?  In general terms, however, I think those who understand the role recognise the value of trustees.

8.  Have you felt that the demands made on trustees/Chairs have grown over time?

In the broader sense probably not – we have the same roles and responsibilities now that we always have.  However the demands of acting within legislation as employers takes up time, for instance, getting my head around redundancy and redeployment regulations has proved difficult and just as I get to grips with this I understand legislation will change again later this year!

9. What do you think is the ideal term of office that a trustee/Chair should serve?

It is interesting that so many places, and previous Trustees of the week, go along with the guidelines of 3 years with perhaps an increase depending on the organisation and, I guess, the trustee themselves!  However, I have been part of the organisation for 9 years!  Initially as a member of the steering group to aid the organisation to become independent of the local CVS but as a Trustee for 6 – in that time 1 year as Treasurer, 2 years as vice Chair and now 3 years as Chair.  I feel 3 years overall is not enough time – it takes a good year to become totally au fait with the organisation, the finance etc and I think what a waste of knowledge to then leave after a further two years.  So long as the constitution or Mem and Arts are robust in that you can get a Chair or Trustee “out” then people should be allowed to continue if they still have the passion for the organisation.

10. What tip would you give to a new trustee?

Make sure you have a good chat with the Chair and perhaps other Trustees before you take up any position.  Come along and observe a Board meeting first and never be afraid to speak up when Trustees forget that you are new and you need to know some background before you make a decision.

11. If you weren’t a trustee, what would you do with that time?

Get a life!  Semi seriously have more time for friends – but being a trustee means I have some good friendships anyway.

12. What steps do you take to increase/retain your organisation’s membership?

Talk to anyone who will listen about the work of the organisation.

13. What question do you want to ask next week’s trustee?

How can we encourage grant giving organisations to provide continuation funding for core – rather than having to “reinvent” the work to look like something new and innovative?

To respond to Ann's question click here