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The Association of Guernsey Charities 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 celebrating 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 and Olly Duquemin 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.
Pictured: Stephen Jones OBE receiving a Community Foundation award from the former Lieutenant Governor, Sir Ian Corder.
All this week Express will be celebrating the work of various Trustees, highlighted by the AGC for their work and commitment.
Today we turn to Harriet Gowan:
Ms Gowan joined the Guernsey Community Foundation one year ago.
Her professional background is as a Professional Services Director with Teneo, where she specialises in delivering business and regulatory change programmes.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a trustee, and what should they be prepared for?
"Prior to joining the Community Foundation I hadn’t fully appreciated the range and variety of essential services that the third sector delivers on the island, and the vital role that charities play in meeting need. I’m also more keenly aware of the challenges that charities face, from raising funds to recruiting volunteers.
Pictured: Harriet Gowan and her children.
The GCF has a hugely experienced board and I have learned so much in the last year. My advice would be to go in prepared to learn and listen, but don’t be afraid of making suggestions and asking questions. You may feel a little out of your depth at first (I know that I did!), but remember that your perspective and experience are valuable, and are why you’ve been asked to be part of the board in the first place.
The role has been really eye-opening and hugely rewarding; I have particularly appreciated meeting the charities that receive grant funding from the Foundation and understanding the incredible impact that they are having. The role will make you a passionate advocate for the third sector."
To come tomorrow... Fiona Bateson, a Trustee for the Guernsey Community Foundation and the Nature Commission.
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