A COUNTY wide search is commencing, to find one young person who can reflect the voice of their generation on our charity board.
Community Action Suffolk has launched an appeal to identify a new Young Shadow Trustee, who will have a pivotal post in contributing to how the organisation is run, and how it portrays the county’s youth contingent.
It is the first time CAS has chosen to include a dedicated ‘Young Shadow Trustee’ on their board, and comes as part of the organisation’s desire to reflect more diversity.
A Suffolk-based programme to support young trustees has been in place since last year, led by CAS, and now sees a total of 10 younger persons in place with the region’s charities.
Charities in Suffolk with an existing Young Shadow Trustee, include the University of Suffolk Students’ Union, Suffolk Mind, Suffolk Artlink and St Elizabeth Hospice.
The person for the newly created Community Action Suffolk role will need to be between 18 and 25, and will be prepared to offer around four hours per month. They will not be able to vote in their position, but will develop leadership skills, increased knowledge in business and finance, and will receive training and mentoring.
Janet Perry, Youth Volunteering Development Officer for Community Action Suffolk, said: “Since Community Action Suffolk has been leading the Suffolk Young Trustee Programme in the county, we’ve received such great feedback from charities about the benefits of having a clear youth perspective as part of their team.”
She added: “The issue about diversity on boards is a concern in the sector at the moment, and all organisations in the UK are starting to recognise that they must do more to change the perception about ‘who’ can be a trustee. People of all ages and from all walks of life can bring insight to our causes and social enterprises.”
“The more we reflect the breadth of our communities, the better we’ll be able to serve them through the charitable work that goes on across the county.”
Community Action Suffolk’s search will be in place until Monday 10th December.
You can apply for the role here at Volunteer Suffolk
Anyone interested in an informal discussion about this or another young trustee placement should contact Janet, by emailing [email protected]