Caroline Frances-King is a trustee for BTCV (The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers), an organisation that aims to create a more sustainable future by inspiring people and improving places.

How did you first get involved as a trustee?

The short answer is that I put myself forward and got elected! I first got involved with BTCV in 1994 when I was at college. I spent a year as a Volunteer Officer (VO), working mainly as a publicity officer, but also carrying out the practical conservation and organisational work that all VOs do.

I found it really worthwhile and enjoyed it a lot. So, even when I left to finish my studies and work elsewhere, I always kept in touch with the organisation. A few years ago the opportunity to put myself forward for the board arose, and I took it. I liked the direction BTCV was heading in – really developing the social/community aspect of their work – and I thought I might have something to offer.

What does being a trustee involve?

There are about four regular trustee meetings per year, either in London or somewhere else around the UK. Often the meetings are tied in with other BTCV events to give us a chance to attend or to help increase the significance of the event. There's generally lots of communication between meetings. In addition, each trustee tries to take on an area of interest or responsibility within the organisation that they familiarise themselves with and report back on at the next meeting. Being a trustee means that you're also an advocate for the organisation – taking any appropriate opportunity to raise its profile. As a trustee, you're always working!

How do you manage to stay informed about the organisation's work between meetings?

It's a trustee's responsibility to stay informed – not just about what the organisation is doing but also about governance issues in general. We have lots of email contact and there's an excellent website. BTCV run an induction for new staff and trustees which is extremely helpful. The chief executive and other senior staff make presentations and it was a great chance to meet people and learn about how the organisation worked.

Is it difficult finding the time to be a trustee?

Squeezing things in can be a challenge. But if you care about the organisation and its work, then you make it a priority. Because the rewards are extraordinary. I have learnt so much and met so many interesting people. I put a lot of energy in, but I get a lot out in return.

Dr Bea Campbell is a trustee and Treasurer for Moor Trees, an organisation that works with partners and stakeholders towards the restoration of native, broadleaved woodland in and around Dartmoor National Park.

How did you first get involved as a trustee?

Originally, I saw a leaflet and decided to get involved as a volunteer. Then, as I approached retirement, I realised that I would have more time and agreed to become a trustee. Having been a trustee of another organisation I had a good idea of what to expect and was keen to get involved.

 

What was your motivation to become a trustee?

My main motivation was the desire to ensure that a charity is well run. As a trustee you are, in a way, representing the public – making sure that money is well spent. Also, Moor Trees is a cause, and an organisation, that I'm very enthusiastic about.

 

How did you become Treasurer?

I had no previous experience as an accountant or anything like that, but I'd been Treasurer for another organisation. When the Treasurer of Moor Trees left, I agreed to take it on. It does involve considerably more work than just being a trustee - about five or six hours per week, compared with perhaps one hour for ordinary committee members. Any trustee with a local organisation will tend to need to devote more time than if you are with a national charity, since the work tends to be more hands-on.

 

What are the main things you enjoy about being a trustee?

The main benefit is having contact with other enthusiastic people who care about the work the organisation is doing - people of all ages, and all backgrounds undertaking a real challenge together. There really is a great sense of achievement.

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