Celebrating Trustees' Week
This week is 'Trustees' Week' and so we wanted to take some time to thank our wonderful Board of Trustees for their contribution to New Hope.
We currently have five trustees (you can see a photo and read a short bio here): John Ford, Dr Tim Robson OBE, Aileen Johnson, David Evans, and Andrew Robertson.
We asked the trustees why they volunteer for New Hope in this vital behind-the-scenes role. Here are some of the replies:
From Dr Tim Robson OBE
Why am I a trustee for New Hope? Because I believe so strongly that we all belong together and that it is really important in this life that those of us who are more fortunate should help those who are less fortunate. So the mission of New Hope is a priority in our community and anything any of us can do to make it more effective is vital.
Part of being a trustee is a bit like being a school governor, supporting the experts in the work - and what is called governance, which can involve a lot of paperwork and discussion somewhat remote from the action but nevertheless really important for the stability and long-term viability of a charity like New Hope.
But it also involves keeping in touch with what is going on: I am repeatedly inspired so much when I see and hear our wonderful staff and volunteers, skilled and dedicated in serving those who need help, often in challenging circumstances.
From very humble beginnings over 30 years ago with the churches pulling together spontaneously around a soup kitchen it’s been amazing to see New Hope grow into the multifaceted team of so many working together enabling it to continue to effectively support people in need.
None of us knows what life holds for us really, but for my life it has been a huge privilege to be involved in such a wonderful expression of what is seen as God’s love working through people. Such caring together is exactly what I believe we are called to be as fellow human beings living in this world.
From John Ford, Chair of Trustees
I first became in involved with New Hope in the late 1990s when Janet Hosier spoke at our church (St Andrew’s in Chorleywood). I was working in the City in asset management and felt God nudge me to step out of my comfort zone. Over the years I volunteered first in our old night shelter in Hagden Lane and then at what was called the Day Centre. I loved both. After a while, given my finance and analytical background, Janet approached me to see if I’d be interested in being a trustee.
I had some experience of charity boards and wanted to use my skills in organisations that I really respected and where I felt I could add value. New Hope ticked those boxes. We have a wonderful leadership team and staff. Our role as trustees is to discharge the increasingly onerous responsibilities placed on us by the Charity Commission while acting as both ‘critical friends’ and encouragers of the team in what is a hugely demanding sector. It is an enormous privilege to be involved in this remarkable work of God.
From Andrew Robertson:
I see my role as a Trustee as an opportunity to give of my time, knowledge and experience to improve the lives of those less fortunate than myself. I feel the experience I have gained through my time in healthcare management can help support the management team of New Hope and, in doing so, enhance the quality and governance of the organisation.