How I became a trustee

, ,

By Rebecca Buckley, trustee at Community First Yorkshire

I first came across Community First Yorkshire through my role as volunteer treasurer for a couple of local community groups, when I benefitted from the support of their Treasurers’ Network. I was very impressed with the expertise of the Community First Yorkshire staff and their work to help voluntary groups be more effective and efficient. When I saw the advert for new trustees, I decided to apply as it was clear to me that Community First Yorkshire was a great organisation and one that I would be keen to help in the role of trustee. I was really impressed with the scope and scale of its activities and its role as a voice for the voluntary sector and rural communities.

The board of trustees are responsible for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run. We must act in the charity’s best interest, manage resources responsibly and ensure the charity complies with its governing document and the law. The trustees have a broad range of skills, experience, and perspectives which is very important in ensuring we carry out our duties effectively.

I am really enjoying being a trustee and using my time, skills, knowledge, and experience to further the objectives of this great organisation. It is a great way to meet new people, learn new things and give back to my community.

If you’re looking for trustees and need help with finding them, check out our handy Trustee Recruitment Toolkit for tips.

Empowering Trustees: navigating the landscape with Community First Yorkshire

, ,
A chronicle of Support, Guidance, and Purpose

Greetings esteemed trustees. As Trustees’ Week (6-10 November) approaches, we at Community First Yorkshire wish to extend our hand in support, embracing this year’s theme: Many voices. Working together. With purpose.

To get ready for next week, here’s my run down of the Trustee Survival Arsenal:

  1. Grant Acquisition Expertise: our dedicated team possesses a wealth of experience in grant procurement. Allow us to assist you in identifying and securing the financial resources your organisation requires to thrive.
  2. Mastery of Governance Frameworks: navigating the legal and regulatory intricacies of trusteeship can be formidable. Rely on our seasoned professionals to provide you with the guidance and tools necessary to navigate this complex landscape.
  3. Strategic Marketing Prowess: effective outreach and engagement are pivotal in furthering your charitable objectives. Our specialists are poised to equip you with the skills needed to amplify your organisation’s message and impact.
  4. Volunteer Management Proficiency: volunteers are the lifeblood of any charity. Allow us to empower you in the recruitment, training, and retention of dedicated individuals who share in your vision.
  5. Organisational Health Assessment: a robust charity necessitates periodic evaluation. Our team stands ready to conduct a comprehensive assessment, ensuring your organisation’s continued vitality.

To access your free support from us, simply complete our online enquiry form, or call 01904 704177 or email us.

By Andy Shield, Development Officer at Community First Yorkshire.

Helping people to discover, connect and mobilise for healthier communities

, ,

Hi, I’m Marion, new in post with Community First Yorkshire as Health Connector Co-ordinator in Craven.

It’s possible I could get an award for shortest retirement ever! I left my post as Stronger Communities Delivery Manager with North Yorkshire Council on 30 June, and had the luxury of the summer months to recharge my batteries before starting this new post mid-September.

So what does a Health Connector Co-ordinator do?

To be honest, the title isn’t much of a clue, but it’s helpful to have that focus on health in it. Our health system is fragmented, it’s hard to understand, hard to navigate and it can be difficult for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) to find its place and voice within it. This is despite the fact that I see and hear so many great stories of how VCSE organisations are making huge positive impacts to people’s lives, and at the same time reducing the need for (expensive) health interventions that people are glad they don’t need.

This role is in part an exploration of how together we bridge this divide; helping VCSE colleagues better understand the health economy in which they work, supporting them to tell their story in ways that really capture the essence of work in communities: building trust, providing safe and welcoming places for people to meet, share with others, tell their stories and find practical and emotional support.

Community connections are key

Whilst writing this blog I’m listening to the podcast, ‘The Connected Community’, with Cormac Russell. He says: ‘the neighbourhood is the unit of change’, and this is a great link to the other area of my role: working with Community Anchor Organisations (in Craven as the funding for the role comes from West Yorkshire Integrated Care System) to support them to develop connections with their local grassroots community groups and organisations.

In our very rural part of the county, the vibrancy and creativity of these small, usually volunteer led, groups are the fuel of connection and care, enabling local people to give and receive in ways that benefit all. You and I know so many examples.

Another phrase of Cormac’s is: ‘discover, connect, mobilise’. So this role encompasses supporting our Community Anchor Organisations (CAO’s) to discover, value and support this very local social action, developing relationships with local leaders and activists, and providing them with the information and support needed to connect people in their community with other more specialist sources of support when they need it.

So the ambition of the role is, in many ways, about building different types of connection: between CAO’s, between CAO’s and their local communities, and between the VCSE and health. All in the service of happier healthier communities, a thriving VCSE and a less pressured health system.

Get in touch with Marion by email.