Trustee Spotlight: Jane Stafford’s Journey with Active Humber

Jane Stafford, CEO of Hull University Students’ Union, brings her wealth of experience in education and the voluntary sector to her role as a trustee for Active Humber. With a diverse professional background, Jane contributes to effective charity governance.

From Parent Governor to Charity Trustee

Jane’s journey into trusteeship began with her role as a Parent Governor at her children’s schools. This experience, coupled with her career in Early Years education and later work in the VCSE sector, inspired her to give back to the community through charity governance. “I wanted to give back and have been on a couple of Boards as a Trustee,” Jane explains. Her decision to join Active Humber was driven by a desire to make a difference through sport and physical activity across the Humber region.

Pride in Environmental Leadership

When asked about a proud moment, Jane highlights Active Humber’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis. “I am most proud of the way Active Humber integrates the climate crisis we are facing, from our vision and mission to our ways of working. The team has led the way nationally and is recognised for its work at a national level, whilst shaping and influencing locally.”

Advice for Aspiring Trustees

Jane offers valuable advice for those considering trusteeship:

  1. Choose a charity that resonates with your passions
  2. Familiarise yourself with trustee responsibilities, including legal obligations
  3. Assess your skills and what you can bring to the role
  4. Be open to learning from others

“Becoming a trustee is a challenging but very rewarding experience,” Jane notes. “It offers the opportunity to make a real difference.”

Balancing Trustee Duties with Other Commitments

Jane emphasises the importance of time management in trusteeship. She estimates spending 3-5 hours on preparation for each meeting, in addition to attending meetings and staying informed about relevant changes affecting the charity.

Her tip for balancing responsibilities: “As soon as those dates are sent out, I make sure I update my diary with preparation time.”

The Future of Trusteeship

Looking ahead, Jane sees the strategic and governance roles of trustees remaining constant, but with evolving methods of execution. She highlights two key areas for future focus:

  1. Adapting to and embracing new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence
  2. Increasing emphasis on partnership and collaboration to meet beneficiaries’ needs

Trustees can leverage their professional skills and passion for a cause to make a significant impact in the charitable sector. Jane’s insights offer valuable guidance for both current and aspiring trustees navigating the evolving landscape of charity governance.