Simon Ruding, a Clinks Trustee, shares his experiences and perspectives on the role Clinks' Chair has within the organisation.

Articulating a Clear Purpose

A successful chair must have a well-defined sense of purpose. This clarity enables the chair to guide the board effectively, offering real insight into what is happening within the organisation and what needs to be done. It is a crucial role that serves as a bridge between the board and the chief executive, facilitating open and frank communication. This relationship should be akin to a "solid critical friend," providing support and constructive feedback to ensure the organisation's goals are met.

Building Strong Relationships

The relationship between the chair and the chief executive is vital, built on mutual trust and honesty, allowing for a nurturing yet professional dynamic. This ensures that trustees feel their concerns are heard and addressed. A good chair also encourages trustees to voice issues, fostering a culture of openness and trust within the board. Trustees should feel comfortable raising concerns with the chair, knowing they will be taken seriously. The chair should not hesitate to address issues, ensuring the board operates smoothly and effectively.

Being a Trustee

Simon had extensive experience on various boards before joining Clinks, although primarily within the arts sector. He saw the importance of supporting emerging practitioners and contributing to social change through creative arts. Clinks' mission to support organisations resonated deeply with him, offering a platform to share knowledge and experience to enhance the sector's impact. He added that being a trustee offered opportunities for personal and professional development, learning about large-scale organisations and infrastructure challenges. This experience provided valuable insights and expanded his professional network, reinforcing the importance of active engagement in board roles. One memorable achievement for him was witnessing Clinks embrace creative arts as a tool for social change, taking pride in being involved in recruitment processes, and seeing new members flourish within the organisation. These experiences underscored the impact of effective governance and leadership.

Advice for Aspiring trustees

For those considering becoming Clinks' Chair, a key piece of advice is to approach the role with an open mind. It is important to understand that everyone has something valuable to offer, and new trustees should not expect to fully understand their role from the outset. Allowing time to find one's footing and understanding how to contribute effectively is crucial.

Recognising the professional development opportunities that come with being a trustee can also help in integrating these responsibilities with one's broader career goals.

Being on a voluntary sector board, especially being the chair involves a blend of clear purpose, strong relationships, professional balance, and ongoing learning. Effective governance requires commitment, openness, and a willingness to contribute and learn, ultimately driving the organisation's success and impact.

Click here to apply to be Clinks' Chair

Image credit: Erika Flowers