How I Joined the Board of Trustees at Home-Start Hertfordshire: My Path to Becoming a Trustee
I’m excited to share that I’ve joined the Board of Trustees at Home-Start Hertfordshire, marking the beginning of my board career. Home-Start is a charity that provides essential support to families with young children, and I’m proud to contribute to an organization making such a vital impact in our local community.
How I Joined a Charity Board
My journey to becoming a Trustee began with reflecting on the causes that matter most to me. I wanted to support a charity close to my heart, and I also knew I wanted to work with a local organization where I could see the direct impact of my contribution. After narrowing down my focus, I started researching how to join a charity board. I did some simple Google searches and reached out to several charities in my area, expressing my interest in volunteering as a board member. That’s how I connected with Home-Start Hertfordshire—and it turned out to be a perfect fit!
What Does a Board of Trustees Do?
As a Trustee, my role is to focus on operations and risk management, helping to ensure that Home-Start is resilient and prepared for any challenges. Being part of a board of trustees means taking on a leadership role in a charity, providing strategic direction, and ensuring that resources are used effectively to achieve the charity's mission.
For me, this opportunity is about more than governance—it’s about giving back and using my professional skills to help a charity that’s making a tangible difference. Volunteering as a Trustee allows me to offer my expertise while learning new skills, building relationships, and contributing to something bigger than myself. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my role supports the charity’s ongoing success.
Tips for Joining a Board for the First Time
If you’re considering joining a board or becoming a trustee for the first time, I encourage you to start by finding a cause that resonates with you. Many nonprofits and charities look for trustees with diverse skills—whether in finance, marketing, fundraising, or operations—so prior board experience isn’t always required.
Here’s how to get started:
Identify a cause you care about deeply. This will make your role as a trustee more fulfilling.
Research local charities or organizations. Google is your best friend here; simply search for charities near you or causes you’re passionate about.
Reach out directly. Many charities are looking for new trustees but may not always advertise these roles publicly. Don’t hesitate to send an email expressing your interest.
Platforms like Reach Volunteering or Getting on Board are great resources to explore board positions and learn how to join a nonprofit board.
Looking for Trustees with Fundraising and Marketing Skills
At Home-Start Hertfordshire, we are actively looking for new trustees with fundraising and marketing experience. If you have expertise in these areas and want to make a real difference in the lives of families, we would love to hear from you. Joining a charity board is an incredible opportunity to give back, learn, and grow, all while contributing to a cause that truly matters.
Feel free to get in touch if you’re interested in volunteering as a trustee and helping us continue our work supporting local families.
