09 November 2022
Trustees' Week - Q&A with Sue Morgan
We caught up with Sue Morgan, one of our trustees, to find out more about her role at the Psoriasis Association and what it involves.
Click to enlarge
Many people don't realise that it's a board of trustees, a group of volunteers, who give direction to a charity on how it is managed and run. It's a varied and vital role in which the trustees provide support to the Chief Executive Officer, play a fundamental role in the strategic development of the organisation, and contribute their skills and expertise to a cause that is important to them.
The Psoriasis Association currently has 11 trustees, including 3 officers, who serve for a minimum term of three years. They are elected annually at the AGM by the charity’s members.
Recently we caught up with Sue Morgan, one of our trustees, to find out more about her role at the Psoriasis Association and what it involves:
How did you become a trustee of the Psoriasis Association? Why did you decide to become involved?
I have been a member for many years and have always found the advice and guidance they provide extremely helpful and reassuring as I am personally affected by psoriasis. I responded to a request for new trustees in the members' magazine, which included a focus on a need for trustees with fundraising experience. I value the support which the charity provides and hoped that by volunteering as a trustee I could contribute to achieving the aims of the charity and continue to make a positive impact for people with the condition and their families.
Psoriasis has affected several generations of my family and no doubt this will continue – my motivation for being involved is to play a small part in reducing the impact of this for future generations of mine and other families and giving them a healthier and happier future.
What are your thoughts on the work being achieved by The Psoriasis Association?
I am incredibly impressed with the professionalism and scale of impact that the charity makes. Specifically in the groundbreaking scientific research which is striving to understand the causes of the disease and how to treat it, and also being a reliable and knowledgeable source of trustworthy information, which makes an enormous difference to professionals and individuals. I love that the charity really listens to the views and needs of those who have psoriasis and adapts its focus and support to meet those needs. The PsoTeen website and Priority Setting Partnership have been great examples of this in recent years.
Why should others consider being a trustee of the Psoriasis Association?
Being a trustee can offer a range of positive benefits, not only for the charity but also for you as an individual. Alongside a general feel-good factor of knowing you are giving back to society, and helping a cause which is important to you, it can help you develop experience and skills and meet new people. It may also help you develop your abilities in other parts of your life. I am a CEO of a small charity and being a trustee has certainly given me a different viewpoint and perspective which I believe is helping me be better in the day-to-day job.
Why do you think it is important for charities to have a board of trustees?
Charities exist for the public benefit, and it is important that they are governed effectively to maximise the impact of the charity and use the resources wisely. The Board can ensure a clear strategic focus and provide support to the management and staff, and by working together the charity can achieve its vision and aims. It’s a real partnership which means the public can trust in the work of the organisation.
What have you found most challenging about the role?
The staff team at the Psoriasis Association make it very easy to be a trustee by running the charity so professionally so I have not found it too challenging! Initially I think it took me a while to work out how/where I could be of most help and I was keen to do more than just attending Board meetings whilst not interfering with the work of the team. Having clear roles and getting involved in projects which utilise my experience is very rewarding.