Celebrating our Trustees
- Shrewsbury Ark
- Nov 7
- 3 min read
This week is Trustees’ Week, and as a charity we are putting the spotlight firmly on, and celebrating the achievements of not just ours, but the nearly one million Trustees across the UK.
According to the VCSA State of the Sector Survey, there were 1,682 registered charitable organisations operating in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin in 2021; and behind each of these organisations, there is a small team of dedicated Trustees.
Why Trustees matter
Trustees set the direction, uphold governance and ensure every pound, every project, and every story aligns with our mission.
Being a Trustee is a long-term commitment and involves more than just showing up at monthly meetings!
They have a legal responsibility to ensure the charity is run according to its charitable objectives (that is, in our case, to provide support to homeless and vulnerable people in Shrewsbury) and make sure the strategy and use of resources all work towards those aims.
They oversee any risks to the charity, and have a responsibility to ensure the finances are properly managed.
Despite this required role carrying an enormous of responsibility, our of trustees, and indeed the majority of Trustees are unpaid. They are extraordinary volunteers!
Our seven Trustees bring a wealth of experience – in finance, property, business, communications, fundraising and more; working tirelessly behind the scenes their role often isn’t visible, but they are an essential part of our charity’s existence.
Outstanding trusteeship recognised
We were delighted to recently welcome Jane Trowbridge JP, the High Sheriff of Shropshire, whose office has a proud tradition of championing the voluntary and charitable sector across our county. Indeed, High Sheriffs are volunteers themselves, and no part of the expenses related to the year fall on the public purse.
As well as touring our Day Centre, the High Sheriff, met staff, volunteers and some of the people who use our services, to learn more about the vital work we do in supporting and enabling people to make positive changes in their lives.
Whilst she was here, she also recognised the extraordinary service of one of our Trustees, Ian Somervaille CBE, by awarding him with The High Sheriff’s Personal Award.
This Award recognises and celebrates the work of individuals and organisations within the County who have made outstanding contributions to the communities in which they live or work.
As our Trustee for over 20 years, Ian has voluntarily given his time as Treasurer and strategically guiding the charity, and his dedication has helped ensure our financial security and organisational resilience.
His tireless efforts in fundraising, governance and raising awareness of the needs of the most vulnerable people in our community have been invaluable.
We are extremely grateful for Ian's support and commitment, and his passion inspires us all.
Looking ahead
In these economic uncertainty times, the needs of our services are vital more than ever. Adapting to the need, we are continuing to develop our services, strengthen partnerships and be there for people who are in crisis, and who are marginalised and isolated.
As guardians of our values, as advocates for those we serve, and as bridge-builders into new opportunities, our Trustees are a pivotal part of this process, and greatly contribute to the massive impact we have.
Thank you
Our charity has existed for over 50 years, so a huge thank you to all our Trustees past and present.
We also thank everyone who volunteers for in so many other way, and to everyone who supports us financially.
Everything we are able to do to support vulnerable people in our community into making positive changes in their lives is because of your generosity.
We NEVER charge the people who need our services for our day centre services and we are funded entirely by grants and donations; for every donated £1, there is a return of £6 in social benefit.
Become a Friend of the Ark by setting up a regular donation, and help us to continue to continue our vital work in helping people in crisis; details are here.
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