Celebrating Trustees’ Week: Gerry Morrison, Championing Good Governance and Community Impact

As part of Trustees’ Week, the HEY Smile Foundation is celebrating the people who give their time, expertise and commitment to help charities thrive. One of them is Gerry Morrison, Head of Charities and Not for Profit, and Partner at Wilkin Chapman Rollits LLP, who serves as a trustee for The V K Rollit Charitable Trust.

Celebrating Trustees’ Week: Spotlight on Gerry Morrison

As Trustees’ Week 2025 shines a light on the remarkable people who guide, support and strengthen charities across the UK, the HEY Smile Foundation is proud to celebrate the contribution of local trustee, Gerry Morrison.

Gerry is Head of Charities and Not for Profit, and a Partner at Wilkin Chapman Rollits LLP. She serves as a trustee of The V K Rollit Charitable Trust, an organisation focused on supporting veterinary and animal welfare work across Hull and East Yorkshire.

Using Legal Expertise to Support a Worthy Cause

Gerry’s decision to become a trustee stems from her extensive experience as a charity lawyer. Having spent her career advising charities and their trustees on governance, compliance and legal responsibilities, she saw an opportunity to contribute that knowledge at a practical level.

“I wanted to use my legal expertise to assist the charity, but being a trustee also enables me, as a professional adviser, to better understand the challenges that trustees face and how to discharge their legal duties in practice,” Gerry explains.

The V K Rollit Charitable Trust was founded through the will of Vera Kaye Rollit, a passionate supporter of animal welfare and a member of the Rollit family, who left her estate in charitable trust for this purpose. The charity provides grants to other charities and voluntary groups offering veterinary care and related support for those who otherwise might not be able to afford it.

“It’s great to be part of the history of Ms Rollit,” says Gerry, “and to help safeguard her legacy for the benefit of future generations.”

Making a Tangible Difference in the Community

One of Gerry’s greatest sources of pride as a trustee is seeing the real-world impact that the Trust’s grants make.

“It’s always very satisfying when we provide grants to organisations like the Hull PetAid Hospital, operated by Hull PDSA, or to improve facilities at Hull RSPCA,” she says. “People often assume that because these are affiliated to national charities, they receive significant funding from their parent organisations. In reality, they are independent charities that must raise funds locally.”

These grants have a measurable impact, from upgrading facilities to supporting vital animal care services for people in need. As Gerry notes, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference our funding makes – improving the care available to pets and supporting the vital work that Hull RSPCA does to protect animal welfare in our region.”

Advice for Aspiring Trustees

For anyone considering becoming a trustee, Gerry’s advice is rooted in both realism and passion.

“Be curious and passionate about the cause you champion,” she says. “It can take time – sometimes up to a year – to really understand an organisation, its culture, and the people who make it work.”

She emphasises the importance of staying connected to a charity’s mission: “Trustees should remain focused on the big picture, but not become too detached. Developing strong relationships with staff, volunteers and fellow trustees helps build mutual understanding and keeps governance supportive rather than restrictive. Governance should help a charity achieve its mission, not feel like unnecessary red tape. If it feels difficult, it probably needs reviewing.”

Balancing Duties Through Good Governance

Balancing professional, personal and trustee roles can be challenging, but Gerry attributes her success to teamwork and effective systems.

She praises the collaborative approach of her colleagues, Harriet Wheeldon and Jill Hudson, for their organisational support and thoughtful preparation of board papers – allowing trustees to make well-informed decisions.

“We are flexible in how we take decisions as a board,” she explains. “Having timely information, clear communication and the ability to meet virtually when needed helps us stay responsive while balancing other commitments.”

Gerry also advocates for regular reviews of governing documents to ensure charities have the flexibility they need. “Having the option to make written resolutions for urgent matters is valuable,” she says, “but it’s equally important to maintain opportunities for meaningful, face-to-face discussions.”

A True Reflection of Trustees’ Week

Gerry Morrison embodies the spirit of Trustees’ Week – a dedicated professional using her expertise and compassion to make a real difference through strong, effective governance. Her role with The V K Rollit Charitable Trust exemplifies how trustees ensure that charitable legacies continue to benefit communities, people and animals across Hull and East Yorkshire.