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Fiona Bateson's work with both the Guernsey Community Foundation and the Nature Commission has been highlighted - as the Association of Guernsey Charities thanks her and other trustees in our community.
The AGC is marking Trustees Week - celebrating the huge number of dedicated individuals who give their time, energy and expertise to serve charities and not-for-profit organisations across the Bailiwick.
This week-long series yesterday has already celebrated the work of Stephen James OBE, who has recently been appointed Chair of Les Bourgs Hospice, after decades assisting local good causes.
Philip Le Pelley, Olly Duquemin, and Harriet Gowan have also been praised for their work supporting charities.
Mr Le Pelley is a Trustee for the Guernsey Sailing Trust LBG. He joined the charity in early 2024, bringing his experience of a 20+ year career in Financial Services in both Guernsey and Singapore to the organisation.
Mr Duquemin has previously been involved in charity boards since 2017, including the Youth Commission and Citizen’s Advice.
Ms Gowan joined the Guernsey Community Foundation as a trustee one year ago.
Today we look at Fiona Bateson's work in more detail:
Ms Bateson has been involved with both the Guernsey Community Foundation and the Nature Commission as a trustee.
She was a founding member of Nature Commission, and has been on the GCF board for six years.
Her background in the finance industry has helped in both roles. She is also an accredited psychotherapist.
What inspired you to become a trustee, and what keeps you motivated in this role?
I was inspired to become a trustee at GCF as I wanted to engage more with the wider community across Guernsey and address some of its more pressing needs. I enjoy meeting and working with all kinds of people, especially those who work in charities to support individuals and families who are struggling. During my life I’ve had challenges that have sometimes felt overwhelming, so to be able to reach out a hand to others is massively important to me.
Pictured: Fiona Bateson.
The motivation for me to set up the Guernsey Nature Commission was different: It was my passion for nature. Nature has been my friend in dark times and through that experience I’ve learnt how important nature is to us all. When looked after, nature provides us with clean water, clean air, quality food, better mental health and nourishment for the soul.
What has been your biggest learning experience as a trustee?
My biggest learning experience has been that this island has a wealth of talent and commitment in the charitable sector – that would benefit from collaborating and working together even more. Also, that there are several under supported areas in the community ie the homeless and ex-prisoners, to name just two.
Which skills do you think are the most important for trustees?
The most important skills for a Trustee I believe are in three key areas:
What are the biggest challenges facing trustees today, and how do you approach them?
The biggest challenge facing trustees today are greater demands on the services of their organisations coupled with fewer resources from either Government, philanthropists or users. This means being creative about delivering as much as possible within greater constraints (including regulatory requirements).
What do you find most rewarding about being a trustee?
The greatest reward for me is seeing the positive impact of some of our work on the community. I am always deeply touched by the presentations from charities that we receive at the GCF Grants Panel and often wish we could support more applications than our resources allow.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a trustee, and what should they be prepared for?
Advice: Be sure you have the time and motivation to make the commitment necessary to make a difference.
To come tomorrow... Tamiza Pledge, a Trustee for Guernsey Caring for Ex-Offenders.
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