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The Association of Guernsey Charities is using this week to celebrate the dedicated individuals who give their time, energy and expertise to serve as trustees for charities and not-for-profit organisations in our Bailiwick.
The AGC says with the requirements for increased governance and regulations locally, their contributions play an ever more important role in ensuring the effectiveness, integrity and impact that the voluntary sector has.
People such as Stephen Jones OBE dedicate much of their lives to serving on charity boards.
The AGC celebrated Mr Jones' contributions to island life by commending him on his recent appointment as Chair of Les Bourgs Hospice.
Pictured: Stephen Jones OBE receiving a Community Foundation award from the former Lieutenant Governor, Sir Ian Corder.
The key role of trustees, almost all of whom are unpaid in the Bailiwick, has been highlight in various ways, through reports over the years.
A PWC report on Jersey's third sector highlighted that 40% of the time spent by volunteers is undertaking “manager, director and senior officer” roles and responsibilities, significantly higher than the general time spent by workers according to Jersey’s 2021 census (14%).
A recent survey by the Association of Guernsey Charities highlighted the increasing difficulties that charities experience in recruiting individuals to fulfil these roles, generally referred to as “skilled volunteers”.
The AGC therefore wants to use Trustees' Week to celebrate the vital role that they all play in the success of their organisations and the delivery of ever more important services to our community.
Wayne Bulpitt, Chair of the AGC commented
“As part of these celebrations, we will be highlighting a number of trustees during the week, their background, motivations and skills that they bring, to demonstrate how diverse, in all ways, trustees can be. We very much hope that this will inspire potential trustees by shedding light on the personal satisfaction and growth that can come from joining a charity board or committee.
"Serving as a trustee provides opportunities to contribute to vital causes, but at the same time to develop leadership and teamwork skills as well as networking for the volunteer themselves.
"With these personal stories, we very much hope to demystify these roles and encourage a broader, more diverse group of people to consider becoming trustees themselves.”
All this week Express will be celebrating the work of various Trustees, highlighted by the AGC for their work and commitment.
Philip 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.
Pictured: Philip Le Pelley.
What inspired you to become a trustee, and what keeps you motivated in this role?
We are so lucky in Guernsey to have so many organisations and charities that give a huge amount to the community. Having recently returned to the island, I wanted to give something back. The Guernsey Sailing Trust not only benefited me when I was growing up, but is now also one of the many organisations benefitting my children (taking sailing lessons in their summer holidays). It is not difficult to remain motivated when working with such a fantastic charity that benefits to so many in our community – making sailing and powerboating available and accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Our society is much richer for the quality of our charities like this.
What has been your biggest learning experience as a trustee?
Whilst I’ve not been on the board for long, it has become clear to me that charities have a lot more to deal with than just their actual charitable objective. There is a huge impact of legislation – governing anything from the activity itself through to the charity’s structure – all of which needs to be handled appropriately.
Which skills do you think are the most important for trustees, and how have you developed them?
As with any board, a diversity of skills and opinions is something that makes the organisation function more impactfully - the most important skill is probably therefore simply to be keen and willing to drive the charity forwards using the abilities you already possess. You must be able to listen to, and respect, other’s opinions and work towards a solution together.
What are the biggest challenges facing trustees today, and how do you approach them?
Whilst each individual charity will undoubtedly face its own unique challenges, possibly two of the most common are the complexity of the regulatory and legal requirements, and fundraising. Guernsey charities often have small teams yet need to navigate not only issues surrounding their own sector, but also wider concerns such as employment law, health and safety, and safeguarding. Fundraising – in whatever form that may take - can be a challenge with so many worthy causes competing for support. Having a committed and experienced team at both the board and the organisational level helps greatly with both of these challenges.
What do you find most rewarding about being a trustee?
The most rewarding aspect of being a trustee is seeing firsthand the positive impact the charity has on people’s lives. Knowing that we are providing opportunities for children to learn new skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the freedom of sailing, or helping challenged adults experience the joy of being on the water, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a privilege to be part of an organisation that brings so much benefit to the community.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a trustee, and what should they be prepared for?
My advice to anyone considering becoming a trustee would be to embrace the opportunity fully. Whilst you must be prepared for the responsibility and time commitment that comes with the role, know that it is an incredibly rewarding experience where you can make a real difference. You’ll need to be flexible, collaborative, and open to learning new skills along the way, but the personal and community rewards far outweigh the challenges.
To come tomorrow... Olly Duquemin, a Trustee for the Youth Commission and Citizen's Advice.
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