This week is Trustee Week, which aims to highlight and celebrate the contribution trustees make to charities across the UK.
Here at Nottingham Refugee Forum we are grateful for our amazing team of Trustees, who give their time, experience and endless enthusiasm in helping us to thrive. We asked our Vice-Chair Helen O’Nions what inspired her to get involved. If you are interested in joining her there is still time to apply ahead of our AGM on November 14th.
Q&A with Helen O’Nions
Tell us about yourself?
I have worked in academia for the best part of thirty years. Since 2008 I have worked in the law school at Nottingham Trent University. I have lived all over England but settled in Nottingham twenty years ago.
I have three cats, none of which like each other very much. I enjoy paddle-boarding and running (when my knees allow).
What inspired you to become a trustee ?
I have always been passionate about issues of social justice and human rights. I have a background in Law and have taught and researched Immigration and asylum Law for many years.
A few years ago I interviewed some of the Forum’s clients about their experiences of the asylum system, with a particular focus on the appeals process. In a subsequent project I interviewed destitute asylum seekers to understand more about the challenges in their lives. This formed the basis of a critical report on legal advice and assistance for persons with insecure status. However, academic research often feels like shouting into an echo chamber, and I was conscious that it was almost impossible to influence policy with a government committed to hostility and deterrence.
I have stayed in touch with many clients and continued to offer support where it has been requested. I decided to apply to join the Board of Trustees in 2019. At that time, I had the commitment needed and some grant writing skills, but not necessarily the requisite governance skills.
I embarked on several free training and development opportunities to build these skills over several months. Luckily the board is very supportive, and the wide range of skills and knowledge presents new opportunities for personal development. Since joining the HR committee I have acquired a lot of new knowledge.
What do you do in your role of trustee?
One of my first big tasks was revision of the Articles of Association (our constitution) which was quite outdated. This also led us to revise the membership policy so that we now have a clear idea of who our members are!
I sit on the HR committee (staff will recognise my name from the annual survey communications), and governance committee which considers our compliance with Charity Commission good practice. Since 2022 I have been the vice-chair, supporting the current Chair in a variety of different roles.
What do you enjoy about the role?
The trustee position provides important governance oversight, ensuring the organisation remains within predicted budgets and complies with the necessary regulatory framework and guidance at all times. It is also a great opportunity to support staff, volunteers, and clients, ensuring the Forum remains true to its mission. The most enjoyable bits are the opportunities to celebrate the hard work at the various social events (such as the volunteers awards, the summer garden party and the AGM) where we have a chance to meet everyone and share the Forum’s successes.
For further information about joining the board, learning some of the key skills, or to find out more about governance, please contact me at vice-chair@nottsrefugeeforum.org.uk