Lesley Davies, Trustee, Community Impact Bucks
Lesley has been a trustee with CIB since 2017. She is an experienced People Director with a track record of achieving results at Board level in both a business and not-for-profit capacity.
We’re all busy and it’s rare to stop, or even pause, long enough to do a mental stock-take of life. I had this chance in 2017 when I left my role as a People Director in a busy telecoms’ company. Instead of throwing all my energy into another paid position, I stopped to consider some of the things that I could do that might bring me deeper fulfilment.
Of course, on the list there was spending more quality time with my husband and family, the chance to care for my mum who has Alzheimer’s and learning a new skill – which for me was swimming lessons. But I also had a strong desire to be more involved in my local community, and to use what talent I had for the good of others. Food for the soul!
But that was just the beginning – what was right for me? Where could I offer a valuable contribution? The web was my “go-to” place, and lady luck was shining as I quickly found an event for potential Trustees where I could find out more. I met a number of charities and community groups at Community Impact Buck’s 2017 Trustee Fair. I was truly enthused, impressed and inspired by the number of people from all walks of life who were taking action to make lives better in their communities. Through conversation, I learnt how each charity needed and valued their Trustees and gained clarification about the types of skills that would help them at their stage of development. I left the event with a shortlist and a firm resolve.
The experience so far
I joined Community Impact Bucks’ Board just as the team was bidding for funding for the next 2 years. It was an extremely busy period for the charity, and there was an anxious wait for the outcome…which was successful! In many ways, it was a great introduction to the organisation, and it certainly made me very aware of the value of my fellow Trustees who gave outstanding expertise and support in this critical process.
With the appointment of Chair, Mimi Harker OBE, and a number of Trustees reaching the end of their terms, there were definitely some “big shoes to fill”, but I am enjoying the developing sense of teamwork within our Board.
I weighed up the time commitment required when I joined as a Trustee – would I have room in a busy life? As with anything important, you make time, and I find that the rewards of learning new things, stretching myself, and supporting others, more than compensates for the time invested.
My advice to anyone else asking themselves the question ….to be or not to be a Trustee? I would say just take the first step, and you will soon find that there are plenty of resources (for example from Reach Volunteering, a Community Impact Bucks partner) to help you work out if it is the right role for you – and the right time for you.
For me, I am so glad I took the plunge, and I am looking forward to being actively involved during my 3 year term.
Good luck!
Find out more about volunteering as a trustee, and browse some of the roles available in Bucks.
