News

Jennifer’s Trusteeship Journey

6th November 2019

Inclusion Barnet works locally to create better services for disabled people and encourage inclusive communities. Their work is informed by the experience of their trustees and staff’s lived experience. Jennifer began as a trustee for Inclusion Barnet in January 2019 and she believes her lived experience of disability has been invaluable in her role as a trustee.

Seven and a half years ago Barnet resident, Jennifer became disabled almost overnight and has been using a wheelchair ever since. Through this experience, she found that wheelchair provision services in Barnet had space for improvement.

She was aware of the trustee role, but hadn’t considered pursuing this until she learnt that Inclusion Barnet was looking for a Trustee like her, at which point she applied. She was able to bring her own experience of disability to the charity sector.

Jennifer says her role as a Trustee has enabled her to broaden her horizons and learn a huge amount. She’s now well versed in the way organisations like Inclusion Barnet are run, and has been able to attend training on topics like Social Investment. It has also allowed her to network within her local community. In terms of charity work, Jennifer likes the Trustee role, as you are not involved in day- to-day management of the charity.

Jennifer would definitely recommend being a Trustee because the role provides the opportunity for new experiences. Whether you’re reaching retirement and want to use your wealth of skills, or you’re young and want to gain new skills, a trustee position can be invaluable.

“To be a trustee you must be in the right place in your life – but it’s all about celebrating what you can do, rather than focusing on what you can’t do,” adds Jennifer.