Following my feelings into trusteeship

Saskia Bewley
Saskia is a diversity and inclusion practitioner and Reach Volunteering trustee.

Saskia, one of Reach’s new trustees, describes how she did not think that trusteeship was for her, and how the recruitment approach encouraged her to apply.

I had a feeling that there was something I needed to do, but I wasn’t sure what. It’s a mood that I’m certain you can relate to, comprised in equal parts of the desire to feel useful, to be purposeful, to act intentionally, to contribute meaningfully. Sometimes you feel it in crashing waves, other times it's in the background, and most often, it leaves you with no choice but to have a little faith and follow the feeling.

I work within the equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) space, my experience is primarily within creative and commercial businesses, and my academic foundation within intercultural communication. I’m fortunate to have time and resource available to me, and I’m a strong believer in skills-based volunteering as a way of giving that is responsible, thoughtful, and productive. I wanted to share my professional skills and I was using Reach’s site in the hope that there was a good cause out there in search of a willing EDI practitioner. 

I wasn’t sure what I was looking for, possibly a one-off project or a medium-term commitment. I hadn’t considered a trusteeship, but I was delighted to see that Reach were looking to strengthen their governance through EDI.

I needed no convincing about Reach – I was happily using their service as a potential volunteer – but I wasn’t sure about being a trustee. I had a vague notion that it probably wasn’t something for me and I might have discounted myself, but for a few things that made the difference. One was the advert, which was clear, concise, focused on skills rather than qualifications, and especially welcomed applications from Black, Asian & minoritised ethnic backgrounds, people with a disability and young people (under 35 years). The other was Reach’s trustee candidate pack, which effectively clarified the role and outlined the charity’s strategy and values. It honestly explained where the skills gaps were, which in turn helped me to assess where I might add value. 

I had a vague notion that being a trustee probably wasn’t something for me and I might have discounted myself, but for a few things that made the difference.

From the point of the application process, I appreciated the openness and transparency. I knew when interviews were scheduled to be, and on invitation I was told who would be there, how long it would be, how it would be held, what we would cover, and to get in touch around any access needs.

The panel interviews were relaxed and professional, with equal opportunity for me to ask questions and get to know Reach as for Reach to get to know me. I was provided with links to valuable trusteeship guides and, as someone new to board-level governance, this information greatly increased my confidence around fulfilling the requirements. The Reach team were also incredibly encouraging in evaluating my purpose and potential. We had open conversations around the training and support available for my learning, and I got a sense of how I could grow in the role.

I won’t describe the happy dance I did on being appointed, but I do want to tell you about how brilliant the induction process has been. Everyone has been so welcoming. I have a wonderful board buddy who I unequivocally feel I can go to with any questions, big or small. I’ve had a great introductory call with the chair of the board, who immediately put me at ease and alleviated all my anxieties before my first board meeting, encouraging me to challenge and to freely bring myself and my perspectives to every conversation. I have been extraordinarily lucky to join the board along with three other fantastic new trustees, from whom in a short space of time, I have already learned so much. Our CEO has put together a robust induction plan complete with links to useful resources, which we walked through in a helpful pre-board induction meeting and which I can work through in my own time. 

I’ve had a great introductory call with the chair of the board, who immediately put me at ease and alleviated all my anxieties before my first board meeting, encouraging me to challenge and to freely bring myself and my perspectives to every conversation.

I am delighted to have joined such a talented board for such a vitally important charity and I’m thankful for the consideration Reach puts into each stage of the trustee recruitment cycle. In anticipating every need and caring about the candidate experience as much as the efficacy of the process, they allowed me to follow my feeling right into this role. I’m looking forward to what the future holds for Reach and could not be more grateful to be part of the journey.  

More from us