Explore the exciting world of being a trustee
How does a small charity double its income, get laser-focused, reach new people, and have better conversations?
At Globe Community Project, it’s a simple answer: Trustees. Having celebrated Trustees week in early November, we’re spotlighting a few of the community champions who have transformed our charity, taking you behind the scenes to see what they actually do.
Loads of boring meetings, right?
While our trustees meet quarterly, they do much more than that. From raising money to moving furniture, from baking cakes to asking tough financial questions, forming interview panels and supporting staff when things go wrong, trustees can be as hands-on as they like.
Do you need to be a legal and financial expert?
Not necessarily. If you asked long-standing trustee Aryamanas, he’d tell you that being a trustee can involve anything from rowing 80 kilometres to updating policies. Our Chair, Lily Wong Le, who works in the Department for Net Zero, could tell you about crossing a snowy Tower Hamlets to draft our Theory of Change as we shivered in a chilly co-working space. Arslan Hussain, who helps new start-ups to scale, might remember troubleshooting operational issues by asking sensible questions like, what are the obstacles, what resources are needed, and how will you get them? Whereas Ripon Ray, charity professional, author and podcaster, remembers mapping out stakeholders over a baked potato and beans at Bromley By Bow Centre’s community café.
But there must be some legal and financial stuff?
Sure - that’s why we have a team. Occasionally, charities need advice on legal issues, and we’re lucky to have pro-bono support from Dentons global law firm. But sometimes lawyers talk best with other lawyers. That’s where trained barrister Bethan Charnley steps in, although she’s also not above being a ‘guinea pig’ for role plays at staff training. On the finance side, when GCP’s income doubled in one year, it didn’t happen by itself. When it comes to spotting funding cliff edges and cashflow issues, businessman Robert Tame – who jokes his children call him ‘How much?!’ – helped us turn things around.
They’re so different – what unites them?
Our trustees bring their unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table, but what truly unites them is their shared belief in the power of connection. They make sure Globe Community Project can keep bridging the gap between isolation and belonging, creating a more resilient, supportive community in Tower Hamlets. Whether it’s asking tough questions, sharing a meal, or simply showing up when it matters, our trustees remind us that transformation can start in the space between one person and another.
Are you thinking - ‘I could do that’?
Then you probably could. If you’ve ever felt you want to make a difference in the world, then being a trustee is an excellent way to do it. Based on our experience, we’d suggest taking these three steps:
What are you really passionate about? What would you really like to see changed in the world - find the charity who is trying to accomplish that.
Think about your skills, what you’re good at, and what you could offer your chosen charity.
Be bold and make your approach! Most charities will be over the moon to be meet somebody with fresh energy and skills to offer who has done their homework and wants to pitch in.
We’re excited to keep you updated on the incredible work happening at GCP! Don’t miss out—subscribe to our newsletter, GCPConnect, and stay in the loop with all the latest updates and insights.