Background
I’ve been working as a Digital Marketer in the charity sector for nearly four years. Since joining the sector, I’ve always admired the board of trustees, it’s an integral part of a charity that aids its evolution.
I’ve always wanted to be part of a board, but assumed I couldn't until I reached a certain age where I could be considered an expert in my field.
Then I discovered the Young Trustees movement, which raises awareness of the opportunities and benefits young people can bring to an organisations board. This movement gave me the courage I needed to actively look for a trustee role, because I was convinced that I could in fact add value as a young trustee.
Finding the role
I found the trustee role I was looking for at Crohn’s & Colitis UK, a cause I feel so passionately about. I’m immensely proud to become part of the board and to be given such a fantastic opportunity to help shape the organisation.
I can’t directly relate to those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) as I don’t have the condition myself, however I am living with an undiagnosed gastroenterological condition. So I consider myself a close ally to those living with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Crohn's & Colitis UK board and I believe this is an essential step towards better representing the people they support.
My core focuses
As a trustee, I will have two core focuses:
- My first is to be a young trustee, which means bringing a new perspective and representing the views of young people who’ve been diagnosed with IBD. The number of children being diagnosed with Crohn's or Colitis is increasing, I want to represent their needs so the charity can give them the right support.
- My second is to be a digital champion, I hope to add value with my digital marketing experience and encourage the development of digital within the organisation.
I love the charity sector, but it’s not perfect. I believe Trustee boards lack diversity and inclusivity, thus failing to reflect their supporters and ultimately the world we live in today.
Crohn's & Colitis UK are one of the charities that are leading the way, creating boards which will only help them flourish. I want to continue champion more charities to have an inclusive and representative board of Trustees.
