Janet Tibbalds is Chair of trustees at Community Links Bromley. The organisation represents and supports the voluntary sector within the borough and aspires to help develop skills, raise funds, and ensure that voluntary organisations operate effectively and with good governance. The seven strong team of trustees are always keen to welcome new members who share their enthusiasm and vision.

Q: Why did you decide to become a trustee?

“I have a sort of motto, which is, ‘to each according to his needs, from each according to his ability’ and I suppose on evidence I’m arrogant enough to think that I have the ability to contribute. And there are plenty of people in Bromley, directly or indirectly who have a need and so I want to be able to contribute to them, to their welfare and wellbeing.”

Q: What do you enjoy about being a trustee?

“Well, just being able to contribute ideas to help to improve the performance of the charity and to make Bromley in the long term a better, fairer place to live in.”

Q: Who can become a trustee and what skills do they need?

“We want a range of people with experience, management experience, obviously some with finance experience. It’s good to have someone with HR experience because there will be times at which HR issues arise and you want to monitor how the charity’s handling them. Business development experience, people who’ve developed companies and jobs themselves who know about the sort of things you have to take into consideration when you’re planning and developing. People who are good at communicating, publicising your charity to make people stand up and take an interest.”

Q: What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering their time as a trustee?

“Do it. If you commit yourself to it, in an organisation where you think you can provide something which will benefit the group you’re interested in or the community or whatever? It’s very rewarding.” “You are doing something which is worthwhile and benefit’s a lot of people.” 

If you are interested in finding trustee roles or any other volunteering roles in general - why not search our Volunteering Platform for ideas and inspiration of ways you can volunteer. 

For further information about getting involved in volunteering in Bromley - contact Fay Millen