Tell us a bit about your day job

I’m MD of a financial management company, my team consists of nearly 1000 amazing people ranging from a busy call centre through to decision scientists, so like my team every day is varied and I feel very fortunate to have a role I enjoy so much.

Was it important to you to volunteer your time as a trustee for an Arts Organisation specifically?

I’ve spent my whole career in the corporate world and with that I’ve been fortunate to gain a range of skills that I wanted to use to support and give back to my local community. I specifically had a passion for performing arts because as a child I attended a theatre run performance academy/drama group in my home city of Nottingham and put simply, it changed my life. I arrived as a painfully shy girl who was too scared to talk to anyone and it gave me an inner confidence that I never knew existed, fast forward to today, I reflect how much that intervention helped me succeed in my career and I’d like more kids to have access to the arts and be able to use it as an avenue to help them fulfil their potential.

What are the elements of being a trustee that you like the most?

I love that I can add value and play my part in ensuring the longevity of the Theatre but it’s not just about me adding value, I also learn so much from the incredible theatre team and I’ve developed new skills that continue to help me thrive in my day job too!

It's obvious that all trustees bring a huge amount of skill and experience to their roles, but is there anything that you've learned from being a trustee at Theatre Royal Wakefield?

Yes, two main areas spring to mind- further developing my financial acumen and the various rules / regulations around charities. However, I must stress that I learn something new with every interaction I have with the theatre!

What is special about Theatre Royal Wakefield?

Where do I start?! From a carefully crafted programme that really does offer something for everyone, a breathtaking participation programme that supports so many of our local community groups, a pantomime that is just simply the best in my humble opinion through to our incredible volunteers who have a warm smile and welcome for all our visitors! Important to also remember that we are a charity and so I’d also mention our development team and their heroic fundraising efforts to make all of the above possible!

What would you say to someone who has thought about becoming a trustee?

Yes, it demands time in probably an already busy life but it is genuinely one of the most rewarding and satisfying things you can do. Please give it a go if you can!