It’s #TrusteesWeek! The time of year when we celebrate the amazing contribution made by trustees for their charities and recognise the difference they make. You can find out about this week’s range of events and access free guidance and resources at www.trusteesweek.org
Trustees’ Week is a time for us to come together to celebrate the achievements of nearly one million trustees across the UK. We want to share some reflections from our Trustees Linda Horgan and Chris Kenneford:
Why and when did you become a Trustee for CFO?
Chris – I’ve been a Trustee of CFO for about two years now – having originally been drawn to them by their impressive reputation and a desire to put back something into a county that I’ve grown to know and love – and I’m regularly amazed at the range and depth of the work this relatively small organisation does with diverse communities across (and indeed beyond) Oxfordshire.
Linda – As we celebrate Trustee Week, I’ve been reflecting on my time as a trustee with CFO, a role I’ve been privileged to hold for one year and seven months.
What is the CFO team like?
Chris – I was a senior manager in local government for over thirty years, and I’ve never encountered a more dedicated, passionate, friendly and knowledgeable set of people than those to be found working at this organisation!
Linda – Although we are a small trustee team, we bring a rich mix of skills, experiences, and perspectives. What unites us is a shared belief in the power of communities and the importance of supporting Oxfordshire’s people and places to work together and thrive. We are extremely fortunate as a board to have such strong leadership from Emily, Tom, and the wider team — a group of committed, hardworking individuals who truly believe in the mission and values of CFO.
What has the trustee board been up to recently?
Linda – Our board operates with a focus on good governance, ensuring accountability while offering genuine respect and support to the staff team. Over the past year, we’ve been closely involved in developing CFO’s new and exciting strategy, which sets a clear direction for the future of the organisation.
Chris – Being a Trustee and now Vice Chair of CFO, I attend both Board and Finance Committee meetings – at roughly 2-month intervals – with occasional workshops and conferences at other times. The meetings are always interesting and it’s really heartening to hear about the real difference which CFO makes to people’s lives.
Why are Trustees important?
Linda – Working in the charity sector myself, I understand the challenges that organisations face, but I also see firsthand how essential trustees are in providing guidance, oversight, and encouragement. Being part of this collaborative effort — where trustees and staff work together towards a common goal — has been both rewarding and inspiring.
Chris – I come from a planning background, so the Placemaking side of CFO’s operations is of particular interest to me. As I’m also a Board member of one of Oxfordshire’s Community Land Trusts, I get to experience the value of what CFO does from the “other side” as well – and I have the greatest admiration for the expertise and attentiveness it brings to this area of work.
If you think being a Trustee could be your kind of thing too, please get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.
Thank you for the time, commitment, and effort you bring to your charities to help them thrive. #TrusteesWeek