What do you enjoy about being a trustee?
The thing I enjoy most is the opportunity to support a charity which does such vital work in supporting people who need legal advice but can’t afford it. I am always amazed by how much the staff team achieve and the impact that then has for people who need it most; it’s an incredible thing to be part of.
I’ve valued getting to know the other Trustees, learning from their experience and developing a new set of skills. I am also interested in how all charities can diversify who sits on their Boards, so I have loved getting to know other people who care about this issue.
Why do you feel trustees are important?
Trustees have an important oversight role; they look across a charity to ensure everything is working as it should. That helps charities to succeed both in their immediate and long-term goals – meaning more people who need help can be helped.
Alongside this, Trustees are vital to helping an organisation set its overall strategy. As part of this, Trustee Boards are a chance for staff to take complicated problems to people with a range of different skills and experience for feedback. The breadth and depth of experience Trustees can offer is something that can support staff in their day-to-day roles.
Tell us why being a trustee for LLST is important for you.
The work LLST does in providing support to organisations who provide legal advice for those who need it is the most important thing for me. Especially given that this winter is predicted to be difficult for so many people.
Alongside that, getting to know how LLST bring the legal community together though the London Legal Walk, and events such as the Great Legal Bake, has been a real highlight.
About Melanie
Melanie has been a Trustee of LLST since July 2021. Her background is in public affairs, policy, business development and product management in both the private and charity sector.