Governance and strategy enrich charity and volunteer

Every year Mind In Camden provides a range of services to some 1,000 people with serious mental health needs and the staff who work with them, in partnership with national and local organisations, and the NHS. Chief Executive, Brian Dawn was looking for a new trustee who, along with financial acumen, would bring strategic vision and importantly, who shared the organisation’s values.

Commitment and responsibility

“We were looking for an obvious commitment to the cause and relevant skills,” explains Brian. “This is a strategic role that comes with a lot of responsibility, one that is ultimately accountable to the public and our regulators and we need people who can handle that.” 

The encouragement to go for it

Susana Gomez works in the banking sector and wanted to use her skills to make a contribution to a cause she believed in, as well as increase her Board exposure in a different sector. “I contacted Reach and you were very responsive and enthusiastic about my CV,” explains Susana. “My interaction with Reach was instrumental in my application. It was also an incredibly easy process”.

“You grow with the experience” 

Susana was just what Mind In Camden was looking for and has settled in well supporting the charity’s governance:  “Susana is a great committee member, I cannot speak highly enough of her,” says Brian. And what does she feel she’s getting from the experience? “This type of experience is very rewarding,” she explains. “It is energising, increases the diversity of people you interact with, uses your transferable skills – you grow with the experience.”

And what does Brian think of using Reach to recruit Trustees? “Reach comes up with the goods in providing good candidates. Working with you was a positive experience and I would certainly recommend you.”