Trustees Week is an annual celebration of the vital role trustees play in supporting charities and making a difference in communities across the country. They are the backbone of countless organisations, working behind the scenes to ensure that services and support reach those who need them most.
This week shines a spotlight on these individuals, encouraging more people to consider becoming trustees and highlighting the incredible impact they have.
Josef, a Titchfield local, never imagined that retirement would open the door to a role that would completely reshape his connection with his community.
After a successful career in the data and tech industry, Josef retired three years ago, feeling that he’d had, as he puts it, “a sheltered and privileged life.”
While he initially joined the Samaritans to give back, Josef felt he wanted something more hands-on, something where he could see the direct impact of his contributions. This search led him to the Earl of Southampton Trust, an organisation rooted in his local community and dedicated to providing housing for those in need, supporting residents through grants, and helping the elderly live with dignity and comfort.
Josef was immediately drawn to the work the Trust was doing, he said: “It’s fantastic helping people and meeting so many like-minded individuals.”
The Trust doesn’t just focus on housing, it reaches people struggling with various hardships, sometimes through partnerships with other community groups like Community First. One memorable project that stands out for Josef involved funding a stair lift for an elderly woman with limited mobility. This one grant meant she could move around her home freely again.
“It’s immensely rewarding, to know we’ve improved someone’s day-to-day life in such a real, tangible way.”
As one of 10 trustees, Josef joins monthly meetings where they discuss the organisation’s overall direction, decide on funding for individual cases, and ensure their resources make the most significant difference.
He’s also part of two subcommittees – communications and finance – each meeting once a month. They often review three or four new grant requests at a time, meeting with applicants to understand how best the trust can help them.
“We have to weigh up the cases, as there isn’t always enough funding to help everyone.”
He describes it as both humbling and eye-opening, giving him new insight into the struggles people face just around the corner from where he lives.
“I’ve lived here for 10 years now, and I can walk around Titchfield and point out homes where I know we’ve helped someone make it their own.” It’s this visible, lasting impact that makes the role so fulfilling for him.
Josef hopes to see more young people get involved in trustee roles. He believes that the flexibility of the position, where missing a meeting occasionally for work or other commitments is understood, makes it a perfect opportunity for younger professionals who may want to contribute but worry about time constraints.
He describes his work with the other trustees as “like-minded people who share the same values”. The role has kept him engaged and active, and he loves that he’s constantly learning. “It keeps my mind sharp,” he says, enthusiastic about how much he continues to gain from the role.
Josef’s experience as a trustee has not only given him a sense of purpose but also a stronger bond with his community.