Using Experience to Create Change: Lesley's Trustee Journey
As part of Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating the people who give their time, skills and experience to support the work of Waverley Care.
Using experience to support meaningful work
Our Board of Trustees plays an important role in helping guide Waverley Care’s strategic direction, governance and long-term vision, ensuring we can continue supporting people affected by HIV and hepatitis C across Scotland effectively.
One of those trustees is Lesley, who joined the Board in 2022 after spending much of her career working in public health, blood borne viruses and epidemiology.
Lesley’s passion for tackling stigma and health inequalities means she brings both professional expertise and a deep personal commitment to the role. She says, “This is an area of work that I am passionate about, and it has always had real people and individuals at its core.” She added, “I can bring some expertise from my professional role, which also includes some leadership, governance and strategic planning as well as the knowledge of the infections we are seeking to eliminate.”
Reflecting on her experience as a trustee, Lesley shared:
This role brings me a lot of satisfaction and joy; it is such a worthwhile activity.
Helping tackle stigma and inequalities
Throughout her career, Lesley has seen firsthand the impact that stigma and health inequalities can have on people’s lives, “having worked in a public health-based organisation for twenty years, I am aware of the challenges in improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities.” Lesley says.
As a trustee, she is proud to support Waverley Care’s work to challenge barriers to care and champion the needs of people affected by HIV and hepatitis C. As Lesley explains, “I believe Waverley Care has a unique and special voice to support change and improvements with regards to ending inequalities and stigma linked to HIV and hepatitis C in Scotland.”
Finding fulfilment through volunteering
Volunteering as a trustee has allowed Lesley to learn from others, build new relationships with staff at Waverley Care and been instrumental to the growth of the organisation.
Working alongside fellow trustees and staff has been a particularly rewarding part of the experience. As Lesley explains, “I have enjoyed working in a multidisciplinary team environment, and this breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise around the table make the experience of volunteering on the Board so enriching.”
Reflecting on her time with Waverley Care so far, she adds, “This role brings me a lot of satisfaction and joy; it is a worthwhile activity.”
Supporting staff and strengthening relationships
One of the aspects Lesley enjoys most about being a trustee with Waverley Care is the opportunity to connect with staff and learn more about their work.
Through conversations on staff days, presentations at board meetings, and discussions with colleagues across the organisation, Lesley has continued to learn about the many different aspects of Waverley Care’s work.
As Lesley explains:
I really enjoy the opportunity to meet the staff and to hear about their work, new projects and also the challenges they face – also to know if there are ways, I could perhaps support them too through my role on the Board.
Drawing on more than twenty years of experience in public health, she recognises the importance of supporting efforts to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for everyone.
Learning and growing through volunteering
Learning and development have been an important part of Lesley’s volunteering journey. As a trustee, she has continued to gain a deeper understanding of how Waverley Care operates, from its day-to-day work to its long-term strategic goals.
Reflecting on her experience, Lesley says, “I have also enjoyed learning more about the ‘nuts and bolts’ of Waverley Care and feel privileged, as a member of the Board, to support the growth of the organisation to achieve its aims.”
She also highlights the value of bringing staff and trustees together, saying, “I have participated in Board & Staff days, which are an opportunity to examine the organisation and its mission – these have been excellent and have helped understand more to improve processes and strategic plans, but also learn more about each other.
Get on ‘Board’!
For anyone considering volunteering or becoming a trustee with Waverley Care, Lesley believes the experience is well worth it. Trustees play a vital role in supporting us in achieving our goals, providing guidance, oversight and encouragement behind the scenes.
As Lesley puts it, “I would encourage anyone who is thinking about volunteering and becoming a trustee to go for it – it will be so rewarding to watch your charity grow, thrive and achieve its goals whilst in the background you are supporting this work and guiding their progress, ensuring good governance along the way.”
Thank you to Lesley and all of our trustees for their commitment, leadership and support. The time and expertise you give helps Waverley Care grow, thrive and continue making a difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve.
Find out more
If Lesley's story has inspired you, we'd love to hear from you. Trustees play a vital role in helping Waverley Care grow, thrive and achieve its goals. Whatever your background, your skills and experience could help make a difference.