How our trustees help make Independent Age ‘the best it can be’
As part of Trustees’ Week, we’re taking a closer look at the roles Independent Age’s trustees play and why they’re so passionate about the charity’s mission to tackle financial hardship in later life.
Trustees’ Week is an annual opportunity to celebrate the contributions of nearly one million individuals across the UK. Trustees play an important role in handling the strategy, direction and major decisions involved with running a charity.
As a trustee of Friends Provident Foundation, our Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE considers what lies behind the title: “A former chair of a charity I was the CEO of said to me that a trustee board is there to support a charity to be the best it can be.”
Our Board of Trustees is made up of 11 members who bring their own individual talents and experience to help Independent Age be the best it can be. Headed up by Baroness Julia Neuberger DBE, the team sets out our overall direction and actively assists with the running of the organisation.
As we mark Trustees’ Week, two board-members have shared their thoughts about the role and the reasons behind their involvement.
Richard Anderson joined the Independent Age team in 2020 and acts as Chair of our Engagement Committee. A communication strategist with more than 30 years’ experience advising in both commercial and non-profit sectors, Richard brings a commitment to make a positive impact through his work.
“I’m lucky to be a charity trustee at Independent Age because I believe in the power of collective action,” he explains.
Speaking passionately about the charity’s goals to tackle financial hardship in later life and have improved the lives of one million older people by 2027, Richard says: “We have the power to bring about positive change, to shine a light on this often-unrecognised part of our society and to take action to improve their lives.”
Similarly, Professor Caroline Glendinning, who became a trustee in 2022, is enthusiastic about the organisation’s renewed focus and our work to support older people facing poverty.
“I’m hugely impressed by the excellent reputation and impact of Independent Age’s policy and influencing work,” she says. “I’ve always worked closely with charity and third sector organisations, valuing their contributions as the voices of carers, older people and people with disabilities.”
With a research background focusing on areas including poverty, later life and health, Caroline hopes to provide insight into the monitoring and evaluation of our charity’s work as we progress with our renewed focus.
“We’ll need to learn what works best and why — what factors contribute to positive impacts and how we can enhance these,” she explains.
While our trustees offer up their own knowledge, connections and experience to benefit Independent Age, they also gain from their roles.
Richard’s faith in “the power of community” has pushed him to take on these responsibilities but he also values learning: “The role gives me the opportunity to expand my knowledge, skills and experience in areas I might not have explored otherwise”.
Caroline has also learnt a great deal through her position on the board. Joining a panel approving our cost of living grants and attending presentations on the charity’s fundraising plans has proven both informative and useful: “Both experiences have provided valuable insights that I can take back to my small Manchester charity.”
Whatever the reason behind joining as a trustee, from personal links, previous connections to the charity’s goals or a desire to help create positive change, these are people who commit time, energy and enthusiasm to support our work.
“Independent Age has an exciting and ambitious aim of improving the lives of one million older people in financial hardship over the next three years,” explains Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE.
“We are fortunate to have a set of brilliant, engaged and well-informed trustees, who are generous with their time and expertise to help us get there.”
For an organisation to achieve real change, we must work together. At Independent Age, we all play a role in tackling financial hardship in later life.
As Richard says, “we are part of a broader network of people who are passionate about making a difference.”
“Together, we can achieve more than any of us could on our own.”
Thank you to our wonderful Board of Trustees for their continued support and help. Find out more about the members here.
Trustees’ Week runs from the 6th to the 10th of November 2023. If you’re interested in learning more about Trustees’ Week and the exciting opportunities within the role, you can find out more here.
