Trustees’ Week: An Interview with Claire

Posted on November 3rd, 2024

A week-long campaign, Trustees’ Week was created to celebrate the achievements of charity trustees. As a small charity that supports children and young people with muscular dystrophy, we’re incredibly grateful to our trustees. Our exceptional team of trustees work hard to ensure that our charity and beneficiaries continue to thrive.

To mark Trustees’ Week, we interviewed one of our trustees, Claire Leach who has been working with us since 2022.

Why did you decide to become a trustee at The Muscle Help Foundation?

Claire: Having previously volunteered with charities and non-profit organisations, I was eager to build on that experience. My personal connection to disability runs deep—my father is blind, and my brother-in-law lived with multiple sclerosis for 20 years before his passing. I was particularly drawn to support The Muscle Help Foundation charity because of our close-knit community and the direct impact we have as trustees. We know our beneficiaries by name and understand their stories. Despite being a small charity with only one full-time employee, the value we provide is remarkable. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness a beneficiary’s face light up as they experience their dreams, whether it’s in a plane, boat, or car.

Can you explain what you do within your role as a trustee?

Claire: I offer strategic guidance and advice to the CEO to achieve the mission and goals of the charity. This involves ensuring governance and compliance with legal and regulatory standards for charities. This also extends to providing support to effectively tackle challenges and shape our future direction.

How important are trustees to charities?

Claire: Our trustees play a vital role in overseeing the management and direction of The Muscle Help Foundation providing:

• Governance: Ensuring we adhere to our mission, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and operate within our governing documents.
• Strategic Planning: We set the charity’s strategic goals and ensure we are on track to meet them. For example, our goal to deliver 657 dreams.
• Financial Oversight: Trustees monitor the charity’s finances, approving budgets, and ensuring proper financial controls are in place.
• Risk Management: We maintain The Muscle Help Foundation’s risk register, identifying potential risks to the charity and ensuring there are appropriate measures to mitigate them.
• Support and Leadership: We support Michael, our CEO, by providing guidance, and fostering a positive culture.
• Community Representation: We actively promote The Muscle Help Foundation, acting as a representative, advocating for its mission, and engaging with the wider world, community and stakeholders.
• Evaluation and Accountability: We regularly review the charity’s performance, ensuring accountability to beneficiaries and donors.

What do you love about the charity?

Claire: I love that, because we are small, we have a close connection with our beneficiaries; we know everyone by name and their individual stories. The value we provide is remarkable for our size. Being part of this is a deeply fulfilling experience. As a trustee, I collaborate directly with Michael to support and guide our efforts, ensuring we achieve maximum impact with minimal resources.

Can you tell us about a memorable moment working with the charity?

Claire: After attending our flagship Porsche Challenge at Silverstone, I was thrilled to see the immediate effects of the experience on our beneficiaries. For a time, they enjoyed an accessible experience and truly engaged with life, just as non-disabled people do every day. In those moments, they were simply themselves and the focus was entirely on them, not on their carers, parents, or clinicians. I vividly recall a beneficiary we supported, who had moved from Ukraine to the UK. As he sat in a Porsche, his face lit up with joy as he held the wheel and revved the engine. It was a truly unforgettable moment. Up until that point, the language barrier during the coffee and speeches had posed challenges for him, but the car experience transcended words, bringing him joy and a sense of freedom.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a trustee?

Claire: Short answer: Don’t underestimate the value you can offer. Most people possess a range of valuable skills that can greatly benefit charities. Serving at the board level provides personal growth and a depth of experience that you often won’t find in paid corporate positions.

Long answer:

• Understand the Commitment: Be prepared for the time and effort required. Trusteeship involves regular meetings, strategic planning, and sometimes hands-on support.
• Know the Responsibilities: Familiarise yourself with the legal and fiduciary duties of being a trustee, including governance, financial oversight, and compliance.
• Align with Your Values: Choose a charity that resonates with your personal values and interests. This alignment will keep you motivated and engaged.
• Bring Your Skills: Consider what skills and experience you can contribute—whether in finance, marketing, fundraising, or a specific area related to the charity’s mission.
• Be Open to Learning: Each charity is unique, so be prepared to learn about its specific challenges and opportunities. Stay curious and open-minded.
• Collaborate with Others: Build strong relationships with fellow trustees and staff. Effective teamwork is crucial for the charity’s success.
• Advocate for the Cause: Be an ambassador for the charity in your community. Raising awareness and support is a key part of the role.
• Stay Engaged: Be informed about the charity’s activities and the broader sector. Engaged trustees are more effective in guiding the organisation.

Finally, in one short sentence, could you describe The Muscle Help Foundation?

We enrich the lives of children and young people with muscular dystrophy through life-enhancing experiences and support.

We hope you have found this blog post insightful. To find out more about our trustees please click here. Alternatively, get social with us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook to find out more about our work and impact.