News Story
Next up in our celebrations of Trustees' Week, we chatted to Tom Seddon...
Tell us a bit about your background, what’s your job?
Hi! I’m a Deputy Bill Manager at the Department for Education, leading on the delivery of legislation for the department – covering broad policy areas across SEND, schools, further and higher education. I previously led the department’s engagement with schools. Before joining the Civil Service, I was a primary school teacher and middle leader in Bradford.
What made you choose to join the Theatre Royal Wakefield Board of Trustees?
Lots of reasons! The last few years have been difficult for many people, and I believe that theatre has a role in bringing our community together. For some people, theatre and live entertainment offers an escape. For others, it offers an opportunity to develop important skills, and to explore new ideas with others.
Personally, theatre has played an important role in my life, as it was a local youth theatre which gave me the confidence to go to university and pursue my current career. I therefore wanted to join the TRW Board of Trustees as I wanted to work with the theatre’s leadership team and other trustees to ensure the TRW continues to thrive and deliver for the people of Wakefield.
Meanwhile, as a keen fan of the arts, being a TRW trustee enables to me continue supporting my local theatre, whilst also developing my skillset and knowledge of the sector.
If you could explain the role of a trustee to an audience member how would you sum that up?
A great question! A trustee is someone who has the responsibility for a charity and its running, alongside other trustees and the charity’s leadership team. For the TRW, this means working together to make decisions about the theatre’s policies, objectives and strategies, safeguarding its future. Whilst the leadership team focus on the theatre’s operations, the Board of Trustees support the theatre’s strategic direction. Through this partnership, we ensure the TRW continues to deliver great theatre and vital opportunities for our community.
You’re a member of the Sutton Trust alumni community, tell us a bit about that?
The Sutton Trust is an education charity which works to advance social mobility, so that every young person – no matter their background – has the opportunity to succeed in life. As a Sutton Trust alum, I benefited from the charity’s work, and use my role as a TRW trustee as a way of giving back. For example, by working with the leadership team to support the theatre’s participation programme, which uses the performing arts to enhance the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds across the Wakefield district, including through the Performance Academy and Chime.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a trustee?
Give it a go! Trustees play a crucial role in some of our community’s most important organisations, and becoming a trustee is an opportunity to play your part in their future. There is no ideal trustee – in fact, for a Board of Trustees to be successful, a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are crucial. Less than 3% of charity trustees are under 30, whilst many charity boards do not reflect those their organisation serves. By becoming a trustee, you can help change this – so what are you waiting for?