Celebrating Trustees’ Week – with our new trustee Catharine Brown
There are almost one million trustees across the UK and this year, we’re getting to know Catharine Brown, one of our newest trustees, a little better.
Catharine joined Family Fund recently in September, bringing a wealth of leadership experience from across the charity and commercial sectors. She has held the role of CEO at two charities and led organisations focused on improving lives and creating practical solutions for disabled people and communities.
Catharine, we wanted to know more about why you came forward to be a trustee for Family Fund in particular?
“Family is so important to me personally. I live in Bath with my husband, we have brought our two children up here and they have now flown the nest. One of my close family members is disabled from birth so I know how hard it can be for families who are caring for a disabled or seriously ill child. It’s important for me to try to bring that perspective to board decision making where I can.”
“I wish that governments in particular understood that every aspect of family life is affected when a child is disabled or seriously ill.”
“What do you feel is a particular strength that you bring to the charity?
“My professional background is originally in marketing – I’ve worked with brands including Marks & Spencer, Selfridges and The Economist, before moving over to work in the charity sector as a Director and CEO. One thing I hope to do is use these skills to raise awareness of Family Fund to help more beneficiaries. When so many families are struggling either financially or emotionally, it would be great if more of them knew that they could call on Family Fund to help them through the challenges they face.”
What’s something that you wish was better understood about childhood disability and serious illness?
“I wish that governments in particular understood that every aspect of family life is affected when a child is disabled or seriously ill. It often means that one parent has to give up work, or reduce their working hours, to care for their child which in turn changes their family finances. It can mean they can’t go on holiday, because they can’t find or afford suitable accommodation and even days out can be difficult. It affects the whole family, and that’s why I’m delighted to have joined Family Fund, to help families like mine facing these challenges.”
Our trustees
Family Fund is governed by a board of trustees who bring a wide depth of experience to the charity, drawing on a diverse range of professional and life experiences.
Read all about our trustees here.