Trustee Week: My experience on the TASO board

I am an accountant by training and I became a trustee because I wanted to use my skills in the charitable sector. Education has made a big difference to my life, but I recognise that I have been fortunate with the educational opportunities that I’ve received, and not everyone has these same opportunities. So when the opportunity arose to get involved in a new charity contributing to reducing equality gaps in higher education, I thought that this was a good fit for my skills and life experiences.

This was my first trustee role, but before I started, I attended a Trustee Leadership Programme run by Cause4. The programme, along with my experience around boards and governance, gave me some confidence as I started out in the role.

I’ve got a lot out of being a trustee. TASO’s evidence-based approach to identifying what works in reducing equality gaps in higher education, and working with the sector to bring about progress, makes a real difference to the world of higher education and those who study within it. I feel that I’ve been able to contribute to those ongoing changes, and the role has given me a window into a different world. I always appreciate opportunities to be exposed to different ideas and broaden my worldview, and that’s definitely happened in this role – I’ve worked with new people and dealt with issues that are very different from other aspects of my career.

At TASO, we have a diverse board with a range of skills and experiences. For example, whilst I haven’t worked in education, and therefore have limited connections in this area, these connections are well covered by other trustees. And I have a different background to many of the other trustees, which means I bring a unique perspective and can ask useful questions. My background in accountancy and experience in board governance gives me an understanding that can help guide the board when questions of trustee or director responsibility come, as well as guidance on financial controls, systems, budgeting, cash flow, solvency and other financial matters. It’s important to recognise that trustees all bring something different and useful to these meetings: there are some Board conversations where I take a very active role, and others where I take more of a backseat and let those with more expertise on that area lead. My advice for any trustee, or for anyone thinking of becoming a trustee, is to act as a sounding board to the team. I try to facilitate these open conversations by being open and accessible.

Interested in becoming a trustee? Find out about our open vacancy.