Working as a Trustee at Family Fund

At Family Fund, we support families with a range of life experiences and backgrounds. It’s important that our board of trustees reflects this diversity.

Our mission is to improve the day-to-day lives of families on a low income, raising a disabled or seriously ill child. Our ability to do that is strengthened by having a governance team with a deep understanding of what that day-to-day looks, and feels, like.

In Family Fund’s latest Inclusion data survey, five out of 13 trustees told us they have experience raising, or caring for, a disabled or seriously ill child. And four told us they are disabled – giving valuable, personal lived experience to steer our strategic direction. The survey also showed we have a board with balanced gender representation. Seven trustees identify as male and six as female. Three trustees told us they are Black/Black British, Asian/British or African Caribbean.

As a Disability Confident Employer and supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant, inclusivity is vital in all our recruitment practices, including our trustees. This diversity ensures our purpose, and our families’ experiences, are at the heart of our decision making.

Trustee Emma Pinnock has a son with Down’s syndrome. She shares how her experiences led her to become a Family Fund trustee. And how she uses personal insight to inform her work:

Why did you become a trustee?

“The work Family Fund does, and the impact it has, is far reaching. It really reflects my own values, work and life experiences. Sitting in the living room of one of my clients, I witnessed the relief and support a grant can bring. The doorbell rang and a brand-new washing machine was delivered from Family Fund. I was aware of the depth of the pressures for this family, but also experienced a moment of light when this item arrived. Having seen the impact of the charity’s work first hand, it was an honour to be considered as a trustee. I keep this moment in mind when making, and analysing, our next steps.”

What do you bring to the board, professionally and personally?

“I have a son with Down’s syndrome, and I have worked in the special needs sector for over 20 years. Both experiences add to my understanding of some of the realities for the families that are supported by Family Fund.

“I share the work of Family Fund and I talk about the charity with my clients, with schools and with families I meet that have a disabled or seriously ill child. I make sure to create links between the charity and communities that may not be aware of Family Fund’s work, for example at events like the Sickle Cell Gala.”

What do you value about being a trustee?

“Helping support such an important charity is extremely rewarding. When a family story is published, or Family Fund features in a McCain advert, I feel a sense of pride and hope. I try to share as many posts as I can. 

“I am proud to be able to contribute, and add another path of thought, to the charity’s strategy, and to offer support whenever I can. But the work completed by everyone at Family Fund is where the true joy and pride comes in. As a Board, I feel there is great joy when we see the impact that the charity has.”

What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a trustee?

“If you have the skills, passion and desire to positively impact the lives of others, then just do it. It is so rewarding. You will learn a lot and you are not alone. Being a trustee at Family Fund is so well supported – everyone is willing to help.”