Anne Gardner

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

It grew from being part of the steering committee setting up a sheltered home.  We then set up an independent small charity – and I sort of fell into the job. 

2. Which organisation(s) do you represent? 

The CRUMBS Project (registered charity 1061688) in Bournemouth. 

3. What particularly attracted you to these organisations?  

See above.  The  crying need for a pathway to independent living and employment for those with long-term mental illness: later this encompassed Learning Disability and Stabilised Addiction. 

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

Youth! 

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

The constant need to cover the Budget: small charities find it hard to build up reserves. 

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

The real changes we witness as self-confidence is gained: the real pleasure our trainee workforce take in the chances we give them and the work they do.  Also seeing the skills of our Staff Team and the satisfaction they gain from their work. 

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

Certainly: both from keeping up-to-date with current legislation and the challenge of finding the skills we need for our Board. 

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

That, if I might say so, depends on finding someone willing to take the job on.  We are all unpaid and draw no expenses. 

9. What tip would you give to a new trustee? Difficult: depends on what sort of an organisation you are joining. 

In our case, talk to other Trustees and become familiar with how things are run: talk to the Staff and get their points of view.  Perhaps talk to the Chair about your new ideas for the Charity before launching them in Committee. 

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

I love to travel: in the past I have been very active but much of that is denied me now.  Bridge and gardening.  Meeting with friends. 

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

We are currently looking for someone to come in and form a new support group: our well-loved League of Friends has slowly diminished by virtue of Anno Domini. 

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

What made you decide to volunteer when so many people are not coming forward?   

To respond to Anne's question, please click here to be taken to the forum section of our website.