Citizens Advice North Herts HR lead and vice chair Chantel Hayward discusses the importance of trustees.

I have worked in HR for the last 15 years, in organisations within the not for profit, private and public sector. I have undertaken a number of voluntary roles in my spare time alongside my paid employment, but for many years have been interested in, and have aspired to work as, a trustee. 

I was subsequently delighted when an opportunity arose in November 2020 to volunteer with Citizens Advice North Herts (CANH) and to join the Trustee Board. Through this, I am able to support a charity that I am passionate about, have myself used and is part of my local community.

As a trustee, my role entails working alongside our talented and committed management team and Trustee Board, to support the invaluable work of all our staff and volunteers, utilising my HR and sector knowledge.

I do this to contribute to ideas and actions as part of the People, Premises and Services Committee and in the wider board meetings, both of which take place quarterly. 

In addition to this, there are always opportunities to get involved in more things if you are able and would like to - from helping out at fundraising events to participating in team meetings. CANH is a welcoming environment and I have enjoyed being able to also support the team through work on culture, engagement, policy, reward and wellbeing initiatives. 

Furthermore, I really enjoy the opportunity to learn from our friendly and committed CEO and Trustee Board, with a plethora of expertise in finance to fundraising and everything in between! In December 2021, I became vice chair of the board and working alongside our engaging and very knowledgeable chair also enables me to support CANH further and develop new skills.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband and two children. I also really enjoy travelling, cooking, reading and listening to podcasts.

Our work at CANH has a huge impact and makes a significant difference to the lives of the clients we serve in our community and it is great to be part of such a fantastic team.