News

Trustees' Week 2024

Posted: 05-11-24

Trustees' Week 2024 is an opportunity for us to celebrate the individuals who guide CISWO’s mission and ensure we are able to continue to support former mineworkers and their families. This year, we’re shining a light on the diverse skills, motivations, and experiences of our trustees, and the ways they’re helping CISWO continue to make a difference. Our trustees are integral to ensuring we are prepared for the future, while addressing the needs of today. Each trustee brings something unique to the board, allowing CISWO to thrive and evolve. Here are some of their thoughts on what it means to be a trustee and why they continue to dedicate their time and expertise to our charity.

What motivated you to become a trustee? 

"I am committed to both listening to and working with communities and then making a difference to improve quality of life for all. CISWO is a big part of my life as someone who has worked in coalfield communities for over 20 years. CISWO’s impact over the decade for which I have been a trustee has improved the lives of individuals and communities in areas which impact my own places of work."  Archdeacon Bob Cooper, Chair

"I had the privilege of managing the investments of several Miners' Trust Funds, so I knew of the work of CISWO. On the verge of early retirement in 2003, I was looking to give something back and was asked to consider becoming an Independent Trustee of CISWO. I jumped at the opportunity."  Christine Kaye, Trustee

 

What attracted you to CISWO when choosing a charity?

"Being born and bred in South Yorkshire, I have grown up in contact with mining communities all my life. My early working career was centred around former mining communities, so when I was offered the chance to work with CISWO, I jumped at the chance."  Richard Nield, Trustee

"I have lived in Yorkshire for 26 years and seen the impact of the coal industry on its landscape, communities, and economics. There is a huge legacy and responsibility carried by CISWO, and I was keen to be part of that." David Steer, Trustee

"CISWO’s national reach, with a commitment to helping in all the areas it covers, including Wales, attracted me to the charity. As someone who has lived in former mining communities for most of my life, it’s a cause close to my heart." Helen Lentle, Trustee

What do you enjoy/find rewarding about your work as a trustee?

"My biggest rewards in being a trustee are the knowledge of making a difference in communities about which I deeply care; making transparent the governance of the charity; supporting the objectives and staff of the charity, which leads to better delivery; and being part of a group of colleagues who share these ideals." Archdeacon Bob Cooper, Chair

"As a trustee, you get great satisfaction looking at the outcomes of the charity in terms of the help given to our clients, whether it be to individuals or communities where need has been identified and assistance provided. I’m proud to be part of that."  Christine Kaye, Trustee

"I feel that in however small a way, I can contribute to making a difference to the lives of the people in communities like the one that made me who I am." Carole Langrick, Vice Chair

"I've really enjoyed getting to know the workings of the charity and witnessing the great work it is doing in support of former miners and their families. Most of all, I've really enjoyed meeting and working with all the people involved." Richard Nield, Trustee

What advice would you give to someone looking to become a trustee?

"Choose a field about which you are passionate; be clear about what gifts you can bring and how they would benefit the charity; make sure you have the time to commit; be prepared to both speak and listen; go for it!" Archdeacon Bob Cooper, Chair

"To be a trustee, one needs to be sympathetic and dedicated to achieving the charity's objectives. The reward is knowing that those who are in need are being helped, and I would recommend anyone who has the time to become a trustee of a charity." Christine Kaye, Trustee

"Go for it! This is your chance to give back just a little bit of time and effort in return for those who did it for you without you necessarily ever knowing. It is a great honour to be a trustee, and you should go into it with a willingness to serve and to learn." Carole Langrick, Vice Chair

To find out more about our Trustees, visit CISWO | Management and Trustees