Making an impact – why Barnaby became a trustee volunteer at Citizens Advice
Making an impact. ‘I’d seen the impact and importance of Citizens Advice through my roles as a Magistrate, Samaritan listener, at Epsom Food bank.
Jane Sheils talks impact and volunteering with Barnaby who joined CAEE last year.
Barnaby joined CAEE in the summer of 2024 as a trustee. He is now a member of our Board and Finance Committee as well as the Fundraising Strategic Group. The Board is responsible for strategy and overall performance as well as ensuring that we meet legal and governance requirements.
Barnaby has spent more than 30 years working and volunteering in the charity sector. His main specialisms are philanthropy (‘helping give away other people’s money’) and fundraising.
He says, ‘I had seen the impact and importance of Citizens Advice through my roles as a Magistrate, Samaritan listener, and Epsom Food bank worker. I have also worked for grant-making organisations supporting local Citizens Advice offices. I felt my skills in fundraising, project management, community outreach and charity governance would be of use.’
Teamwork
Barnaby says understanding Citizens Advice helps his other local community work due to the overlap with the client base. He enjoys being part of an ‘amazing’ team of people (‘especially the volunteers’); and knowing the organisation has a huge positive impact on people’s lives and everyday wellbeing.
‘Volunteering for Citizens Advice is rewarding but it’s linked to the contribution you make. You need to commit to the relevant training whether as a trustee or case worker. That in turn means you can deliver your role more effectively and increase your sense of achievement.’
Barnaby’s decision to join CAEE as a trustee came from many years of experience in the charity and third sector. He saw making an impact as key to the service and is now making a personal contribution.
Read more here about what trustees do.