Celebrating Trustees’ Week 2025 - voices from Northern Ireland’s charity trustees
Blog by Erin Gordon, Policy and Research Officer at the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
This week (3-7 November) marks Trustees’ Week 2025, a time to celebrate and recognise the incredible contribution of charity trustees.
To mark the occasion, we spoke with some local trustees to hear directly from them about what the role involves - and why they believe others should consider sharing their time, skills and experience by becoming a trustee.
We’d also like to take this opportunity to say a sincere thank you to all of Northern Ireland’s charity trustees. We know that being a trustee is not always easy. It can be challenging, time-consuming and sometimes complex. But it’s also deeply rewarding, impactful and essential to the success of our charity sector.
Trustees play a vital role in guiding charities, ensuring good governance and helping organisations deliver meaningful change in communities. Their dedication makes a real difference – and maybe you could too.
If you’re curious about what being a trustee involves, we’ve got you covered. Our Running your charity guides offer practical insights into:
- who can become a trustee.
- what responsibilities trustees have.
- how to get started.
But first, let’s hear from some real-life trustees.
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Bill Megraw is a trustee at County Down Rural Community Network. He is proud that, now almost fully retired, he can continue to contribute to good causes
Why did you become a trustee?
Bill: “I had a significant local volunteer role in a large UK charity, but also a professional background in accountancy, law and corporate governance. When an invitation to stand for election as a trustee came along, it seemed a good mix of professional and personal interests.”
Would you recommend it to others?
Bill: “Absolutely - there is a huge feeling of satisfaction to be gained from making use of one’s experience, connections and professional knowledge to assist the voluntary sector in the tremendous work that it does.”
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Kathy Graham is a trustee at County Down Rural Community Network. She joined after she moved to the area and wanted to feel part of the community in a way that made use of her skills and experience, as well as supporting an organisation that makes a real difference.
What do you enjoy most about the role?
Kathy: “I really value being part of a team that champions rural voices and works to strengthen local communities. It’s rewarding to see how small changes can have a big impact - whether it’s improving access to services, tackling isolation or helping local groups thrive.”
Would you recommend it to others?
Kathy: “Absolutely. Being a trustee is such a worthwhile way to give back. You learn, you connect and you see your contribution make a difference. It’s a brilliant way to use your experience for good and feel truly part of your community and the issues that are important to you.”
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Maria McDonagh is a charity trustee at Early Years. She felt becoming a trustee was a chance to use her skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference with a charity that is close to her heart.
Maria: “What I enjoy most is being part of a committed team that shapes real change in an amazing organisation. It’s also a great opportunity for personal growth, learning about governance, strategy and leadership along the way. I’d absolutely recommend becoming a trustee - it’s one of the most rewarding and fulfilling ways to give back to the community.”
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Deborah Collins and Stephen McCrystall are Board members at Arts & Business Northern Ireland. Here’s what they had to share about being a charity trustee.
Why did you become a trustee?
Deborah: “I became a trustee because I believe creativity and collaboration can transform communities. After years working in sales and business development, I wanted to give back in a way that connected the worlds of both business and the arts. I felt really energised by the possibility of using my skills to support the transformative work undertaken by Arts & Business Northern Ireland.”
Stephen: “I became a trustee through the ‘Young Leaders on Arts Boards’ Programme, delivered by Arts & Business NI - a perfect combination for someone like me who has a love for creativity and governance!
“The concepts of community and giving back have always been deeply held personal values, so the Young Leaders Programme was an incredible way to receive high-quality training with other like-minded people. Participating within the programme absolutely provided us with an enriching and educational overview of how to be an effective Trustee – and it provided a real confidence boost by validating that the skills and perspectives each trustee brings are both valuable and necessary. Fast-forward to November 2025, I have celebrated the milestone of 1.5 years as a Trustee for Arts & Business Northern Ireland!”
What do you enjoy most about the role?
Deborah: “I love being surrounded by people who genuinely believe in the power of the arts. There is huge energy and passion amongst the team and the board, and it is also good craic! It’s a joy to help shape something that supports artists, organisations and businesses to thrive together.”
Stephen: “It’s so difficult to pick just one thing! The connections, the variety, the accomplishments and the moments for problem-solving and growth are all highlights. As a board member, I feel like we collectively strive for that perfect balance of strategic, forward-looking discussions, time for reflective insights, celebrate successes, while also ensuring a healthy amount of operational decision-making!
“A strong part of the enjoyment comes from the skills I have developed in areas I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. The growth seems to be part of every trustee’s journey, which is really exciting in itself.
“Above all else, if I had to choose one, I would say it is the fire-in-the-belly feeling of hoping your involvement is helping the organisation to thrive and to deliver against its objectives for the benefit of the people and the communities we serve.”
Would you recommend it to others?
Deborah: “Absolutely, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. Trusteeship gives you a chance to use your experience for good, meet inspiring people, and keep learning. It’s not just about governance; it’s about purpose, creativity and community.”
Stephen: “Without a doubt, yes! Everyone brings their own contributions which, when taken together, empowers the organisation to succeed as a well-balanced ecosystem. The time commitment is very manageable even when life is busy, and the social side of things makes it so rewarding.”
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Angela Litter is the current Chairperson of Special Olympics Ulster. She describes Special Olympics as an addiction - once you’re in, you’re hooked and can’t get enough.
How did you become a trustee of Special Olympics Ulster?
Angela: “I got involved when the Ireland games were in Belfast in 2006 and was hooked. Since then, I have volunteered at Ballymena bocce club and then Ripples when I moved to Portadown.
“I would certainly recommend volunteering either at club level or at our events throughout the year. Anyone interested can contact hollie.greenaway@specialolympics.ie.”
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Becoming a trustee with Start360 has been one of the most rewarding decisions Tony Clarke says he has made. Below he tells us why he feels that why, and why he recommends others consider a trusteeship.
Tony: “It’s a chance to give back, shape real change and support a team that’s transforming lives every day. We recently achieved Trusted Charity Level 2 accreditation under the Trusted Standard, which is a huge achievement for us and a great accolade for the board, staff, volunteers, partners and our service users.
“I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants to make a meaningful impact and has the time and capacity to become a trustee in the community and voluntary sector.”
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Laura Boden, a charity trustee at HERe NI says the role has allowed her to support a cause she cares about, while learning about governance and developing professionally.
Laura: “I work with an inspiring, diverse group of people that I might not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. It has been such a rewarding experience - I would absolutely recommend it to anyone.
“I would particularly encourage those who haven't done anything like it before to recognise the potential value of the skills and experience they bring. They could be exactly what an organisation needs."
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Gerry McCaffrey became a trustee of Eskra Community Association (ECA), when the charity formed in March 2000. Here’s what he has to say about the role.
Gerry: “I’ve always had an interest in community volunteering and held various officer positions over the previous 25 years in our local GAA club Eskra Emmetts.
“Our local parish hall which had been the centre of social activities and fundraising ventures since it was built in 1957, had fallen into a state of disrepair and was no longer fit-for-purpose. We formed Eskra Community Association and I was appointed a director and held the position of chairperson for a number of years and still remain as a director and active volunteer with both ECA and the football club.
“I live in a very rural area which suffered from emigration for many years due in part to planning restrictions on building in the countryside. I believed that if we could rebuild the community spirit through providing suitable infrastructure and activities to enhance the area, that people would move back or stay locally.
"There have been many rewarding experiences throughout my time as a volunteer. The establishment of a childcare centre which has over 200 children registered and employs 50 staff. This has led to an increase in the pupil numbers at the adjacent primary school from 65 to 115 over the last 20 years. It has also increased the football club’s membership which was declining.
"The opening of our new Community Centre in 2005 following a major project to extend and refurbish the old parish hall. It was great to see our local people’ reaction when walking into the new building for the first time and to accept their praise and thanks for creating this great community facility.
“These projects have led to new housing developments locally which has enabled local people to remain in the area and for others to return.
“I had a vested interest in all of this as we wanted to ensure that our children and grandchildren would have great local facilities that would encourage them to set up home in Eskra.
“I would recommend volunteering to everyone as, whilst it can be hard work at times, it’s always very rewarding. I believe there’s an onus on us all to make some positive contribution to the area in which we live – that we should ensure that our local area and community is at least as well off and hopefully better than when we were young.”
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Lisa Bailey has been a trustee at CAN (Compass Advocacy Network) since June this year, where she enjoys seeing the difference CAN makes and being part of a group that cares about helping people reach their potential.
Why did you become a trustee?
Lisa: “My daughter has a learning disability and benefits from the amazing support at CAN, so I wanted to give something back and help strengthen what they do for families like ours.”
Would you recommend it?
Lisa: “Absolutely it’s rewarding, personal and a great way to help shape the kind of future we all want for our loved ones.”
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Emer McCool is on the Board at HERe NI, which she joined to put her values into practice.
Emer: “I've always cared about social justice and queer visibility, but being a trustee has given me a way to contribute more directly - to support LGBTQIA+ women in a region like Northern Ireland that is still finding its way toward equality.
“I love the sense of connection and collaboration this role brings- working with other queer people who are equally passionate about change. It's empowering and deeply rewarding to be part of a community that's both reflective and forward-looking.
“I'd recommend becoming a trustee to anyone who wants to be part of something bigger - it connects activism, community and hope across the North of Ireland."
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Patrick Porter is a charity trustee at Pretty ‘n’ Pink, a charity which holds deep personal significance as his mother is a breast cancer survivor.
Speaking about his mother and his experience as a trustee, Patrick (Paddy) said: “Witnessing her strength and resilience throughout her journey inspired my commitment to supporting others affected by this disease. Serving as a trustee allows me to contribute to the charity’s mission at a strategic level; helping guide decisions, promote awareness, and ensuring that vital resources reach those in the community who need them most. It is also a meaningful way for me to honour my mummy’s strength and help ensure that more people have the chance to survive and thrive after a breast cancer diagnosis.”