Trustee week: Thank a trustee for making a difference

It’s Trustees Week! A time for us to celebrate the achievements of nearly one million trustees across the UK. We are so grateful for the amazing contribution made by the Jigsaw South East trustees, we thank them for the time, commitment, and effort they bring to our charity to help it thrive.

Four of our fabulous trustees are pictured above with our Charity Director and Finance Manager taking part in sparkle day – our appeal to show bereaved children and young people that their future can be bright.

A message from our Chair of Trustees – Dr Cecilia Hughes

I would like to celebrate Trustees week this year by thanking Emma Smith, who joined us on the board during Trustees week last year. She brings youth, lived experience and many other skills to the board which has enriched our conversations and led to positive changes for Jigsaw South East. I am very proud to be Chair of Trustees and to be part of a diverse and effective board.

In the Summer, Emma conducted a skills audit which included looking at; Skills, knowledge and experience, Personal qualities, Interests and focus areas and Diversity and representation. The results showed we have many strengths, and all skill areas are currently covered. We have a diverse board in terms of age and social economic background but lack representation from different ethnic backgrounds. This is something we will actively encourage when we next recruit. It led to an informed discussion at our last board meeting where we agreed that we currently have the right number of trustees on our board, we are each going to take a lead responsibility based on our skills and interest areas. The audit will be repeated on an annual basis and include succession planning to fill future gaps. Emma signposted us to this year’s Trustees week website and opportunities for further training through NCVO.

Many thanks Emma for being part of our board and sharing your skills and energy to enhance the important work we do.

Dr Cecilia Hughes