At Action Hampshire we are committed to inspiring more people to become trustees to guide organisations into the future.
But what is it like to be a trustee? We asked Kishor Patel, our very own Community Projects Officer and trustee of four different organisations! Kishor recently took up a trustee role at NAVCA (National Association of Voluntary and Community Action) and sits on the board of The Hindu Society, Basingstoke, The Kikoi Connection and Chalkridge School.
When did you take up the role?
I took up the role as a trustee at NAVCA in July 2024. It’s been a rewarding journey ever since, working closely with the team to support voluntary and community action across the UK.
Why did you choose to be a trustee at NAVCA?
I’ve always been passionate about community development and strengthening the social fabric through grassroots initiatives. NAVCA’s mission to support local infrastructure organisations aligns perfectly with my values. What drew me in was NAVCA’s commitment to ensuring that smaller voluntary groups and charities have the resources and support they need to thrive. Their focus on empowering local organisations resonated deeply with me, as I believe in the transformative power of community-driven change.
What motivated you to become a trustee?
I’ve always been motivated by the desire to give back and make a difference in a way that leverages my skills and experience. Being a trustee allows me to contribute strategically and ensure that organisations like NAVCA can continue to have a lasting impact. I saw it as an opportunity to bring my experience from the corporate and voluntary sectors together, making a meaningful contribution to a cause I truly believe in.
What has been your biggest challenge as a trustee?
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the strategic oversight required as a trustee with the day-to-day pressures facing the organisation. In the voluntary sector, there are often limited resources and growing demands, and it’s challenging to ensure that the organisation remains focused on its long-term goals while addressing immediate needs. Another challenge is navigating the complexities of funding and ensuring financial sustainability in a rapidly changing environment.
What is your career background and how has your industry experience helped shape your work as a trustee?
My career background is in Consumer TV Electronics , where I’ve had the opportunity to work in leadership roles focused on strategy, governance, and community engagement. This experience has helped me bring a strategic lens to my role as a trustee, ensuring that NAVCA remains focused on its mission while adapting to the evolving landscape. My experience in project management and stakeholder engagement has also been invaluable in working with the NAVCA team to support voluntary organisations across the UK. Also being a schools governor gives me strategic insight.
What do you think are the qualities of a successful trustee?
A successful trustee needs to be strategic, open-minded, and collaborative. They should be able to think long-term while balancing the immediate needs of the organisation. Trustees must also be good communicators and team players, working closely with other board members and the executive team to ensure effective governance. Integrity, commitment, and a genuine passion for the cause are also essential. Being able to navigate challenges and remain solution-focused is key to ensuring that the organisation can thrive in the face of adversity.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the voluntary sector at the moment?
The voluntary sector is facing a number of significant challenges, including:
Funding: With limited public sector funding and competition for grants, organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to secure sustainable funding.
Digital Transformation: Many voluntary organizations are still grappling with how to effectively use digital tools and technology to engage their communities, deliver services, and fundraise.
Workforce Pressures: Retaining staff and volunteers in the face of burnout and financial constraints is another pressing issue. There’s also a growing need for investment in capacity-building and leadership development within the sector.
Impact Measurement: Demonstrating impact to funders and stakeholders is increasingly important but can be challenging with limited resources.
What would be your 3 top tips for new trustees?
Understand the organisation’s mission and values. Ensure that you are deeply familiar with the organisation’s mission, vision, and values. This will guide your decision-making and help you align your contributions with its goals.
Ask questions and seek clarity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially if something is unclear. As a new trustee, your fresh perspective is valuable, and it’s important to have a clear understanding of the issues at hand.
Be proactive and engaged. Take an active role in understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the organization. Be prepared to offer your expertise and contribute meaningfully to discussions. Trusteeship is a hands-on role, so being proactive is crucial to making an impact.
This kind of involvement would demand a real commitment to governance and a genuine desire to help NAVCA achieve its goals—something that makes trusteeship incredibly rewarding.
Any thoughts on how the VCSE sector can improve recruitment and retention of trustees?
People don’t always understand what the role involves, they don’t know what to expect and often think it will take up too much of their time. They are worried their work life balance could be tipped. My suggestion is to do a little bit of ‘work experience’ before taking a role. Attend a board meeting and chat with other trustees before committing. You’ll get a clearer understanding of the role and work out how much time you are able to dedicate.
Retaining trustees can sometimes be tricky. Factors such as the cost of living, petrol costs and feeling guilty about claiming expenses may make some feel they can’t afford to carry on as a trustee. Also, the challenges of transforming to a digital world is making some trustees feel alienated. Many embrace new technology but for some it can feel daunting.
We can offer support to trustees
We offer affordable, bespoke training to help trustees’ confidence and effectiveness in their role (including a discounted rate for members!). If this is something you’d be interested in, contact hannah.henshaw@actionhampshire.org
The Charity Commission offer guidance to support trustees. They will help you increase your knowledge and understanding so that you can fulfill your trustee role with confidence?
Why not read their 5-minute guides which give short and clear advice on the key topics all trustees need to know.
Follow this link to read the guides
