Paul Coleman

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

It was an opportunity to give something back to an organisation. My day job as an HR Manager in the Education sector is helpful in bringing these skills to the board

2. Which organisation do you represent?

Spurgeons, a Christian children’s charity based in Rushden, Northampton www.spurgeons.org.

3. What particularly attracted you to this organisation?

A combination of working in a children’s charity as well one that had a strong faith basis.

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

It really is about keeping up-dated and practising continual professional development as I do in the day job!

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

Helping an organisation as it goes through a substantial period of change.

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

Feeling that my contribution is enabling the charity to move forward in some small way.

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

There is still a lot of work to do. I have been helped because I have been a trustee in a number of charities which has given me valuable experience and confidence. As a new trustee it can all seem a bit daunting!

8. (If you have been a trustee/chair for some time) have you felt that the demands made on trustees/chairs have grown over time?

Yes the demands have grown and this is a factor in attracting new trustees.

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

I am a strong believer in terms of office. So four years for a trustee subject to re-election and then a maximum of eight years i.e. two terms of four years. For a chair there should be an annual election with a maximum term of four years

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

Don’t be discouraged and stick at it as it is like any job, what you put in relates to what comes out!

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

Probably do other voluntary work or study!

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

Looking at our skill set as trustees and seeing where the gaps are and positively looking for people who fill that profile. It is important to find younger trustees to develop into the role.

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

What resources do you use to keep updated as a trustee?

For your opportunity to answer Paul's question, please click on this link to the Forum.