VAO event aims to boost trustee support

Voluntary Action Orkney (VAO) will be offering online information and holding a drop in event for trustees in Orkney, next week.

Trustees look after the assets of a charity or a voluntary organisation including property, money and equipment and board of trustees are responsible for making sure the organisation aims, objectives and purposes are fulfilled.

It has been a challenging time for trustees and their organisations. Normal activities have been cancelled or postponed, fundraising opportunities have been on hold and meetings and events
have moved online. VAO hopes to help organisations as they start to refill their boards, providing support for existing trustees and helping organisations recruit and train new trustees.

Sheila Garson, a trustee of Stromness Museum, Shapinsay Church of Scotland and VAO, said: “Over the years I’ve been a trustee for many organisations and being involved in helping
to support and shape an organisation is tremendously fulfilling.

“You may not feel you have a lot to give, but that interest and a bit of common sense will be a real asset to an organisation. A good organisation will offer their trustees support and training so you can grow into the role.”

VAO volunteer development worker Samantha Stringer is co-ordinating this year’s Trustees’ Week activities.

“Trustees work incredibly hard to keep our local community groups and charities going, often voluntarily and often behind the scenes,” she said.

“Trustees’ Week is a chance to find out more about being a trustee and thank existing trustees for all they do, and we are delighted to be sharing some local trustee stories from The Orkney Foodbank, Stromness Shopping Week, Boy’s Brigade, THAW, and the Orkney Arts Society.

“Keep an eye on the VAO website and Facebook pages during Trustees’ Week, November 1-5, for advice, links to some great resources, and training ideas for trustees online.

“We will also be at Kirkwall library on Monday, November 1 between 1pm-4pm where you can come drop by anytime for a chat about being a trustee or about more general volunteering in Orkney.”

For more details about any of VAO Trustees’ Week activities contact Samantha by phone on 872897 or email Samantha.stringer@vaorkney.org.uk