We asked our newest Trustee, Kim Gascoigne, about why she decided to get involved and the skills she brings to the Freeways Trust boardroom table
I am new to the role of Trustee but not to the dynamics and functionality involved with this position. I believe that there needs to be a deep desire and a strong commitment when getting involved with charitable organisations such as Freeways Trust and here's why I wanted to do it.
FREEWAYS TRUST:
I often hear people say "...I want to give something back that’s not just putting some money in the charity box ... I want to be involved ... I'd like to make a difference".
Often, this is as far as it gets, plenty of words and sentiment, but no action. It is said that action speaks louder than words and it is my intention at Freeways Trust to take the appropriate action required to work with the other committed and talented Trustees to achieve the best result for our organisation.
I found out about Freeways Trust following an invite from the Chair of Trustees and, after reflecting on my career and what I could offer the Charity both in delivering their current stated aims and objectives, but also in helping to shape and direct the changing strategic landscape going forward, I decided that this was an unexpected opportunity to learn and understand more about people with learning disabilities and to become actively involved in providing the best outcomes for them in all aspects of their lives.
ABOUT ME:
I have had a long and rewarding career in procurement, becoming CIPS during my early twenties. I have worked in Senior leadership roles in public, private and charitable sectors where the focus has been on working with the many Stakeholders involved to deliver the stated aims and objectives of the respective organisations.
My role in leading change management programmes has taught me that communication is one of the cornerstones to deliver effective change and I intend to develop this in my role as a Trustee.
I have also held Non Executive positions including one for a well-known music station. I understood very little about the music industry when I started, but soon learned that “RAJAR” figures were a primary metric for measuring the organisation’s success - who knew?!
Over the years I have supported a Refuge charity dealing with domestic abuse as well as sitting on the management committee for a Credit Union who provided vital support to members who could not access help via more mainstream providers. The diversity of my background will hopefully allow me to play an integral and effective role within Freeways Trust.
My induction process is well underway, with meetings with the Freeways Trust and their sister organisation, Freeways, management team arranged. Even more importantly I have meetings set up to visit our services to meet with the on-site managers and the people we support to hear first-hand more about the opportunities and challenges that exist in this rewarding environment.
