What is it like to be an MS Society trustee?

Why did you want to become an MS Society Trustee?

Emily: I really wanted to do my part to help everyone affected by MS get everything they want out of life. I’m particularly passionate about supporting newly diagnosed and younger people with MS, using my own lived experience, knowledge and skills to try and make a difference through my position on the board. As a new parent, I’m more motivated than ever to stop MS and ensure my daughter grows up in a world where no one has to worry about their MS progressing.

Bayan: I wanted to offer my experience of MS and professional expertise to help the charity. I felt that there wasn’t enough support from the charity for young adults with MS and I wanted to change that.

Chris: Because my son-in-law is living with MS. I want to do anything and everything I can to support him and others to live the best lives they can. As we seek to stop MS and find a cure for those already living with it.

Have you been a trustee before?

Emily: No, but I had volunteered with several different charities. It felt like it was the right time to make a bigger commitment to a charity close to my heart.

Bayan: No, this was my first time being a trustee.

Chris: Yes, I have been a trustee of a couple of charities previously and am also currently a Trustee of the Leicestershire Hospice.

Did anything worry you about taking on this role?

Bayan: I was worried that I wouldn’t have much to offer in the boardroom due to my age and experience.

Chris: Nothing worried me but I did want to feel that I could really help. 8 months on I think I am doing so and I'm really enjoying it.

What support is available to help you in this role?

Emily: The governance team are brilliant at onboarding and bringing you up to speed when you start. I also really benefited from being assigned a buddy, someone with more experience operating at board level who helped me grow in confidence as a trustee. My relationship with my buddy has had a lasting impact on my personal and professional development, for which I’m very grateful.

Bayan: There are fantastic teams across the organisation and an incredible governance team that help guide you through the process with training and advice. There's also a mentor programme and check-ins with the Chair of the Board that help with the role.

What is the most rewarding part of being a trustee?

Emily: Making a difference for our wonderful community. We’ve never been closer to stopping MS and it’s such an exciting time to play a part in that journey.

Bayan: Dedicating time to an incredible cause and seeing the direct impact of your work on people’s lives. Meeting the resilient MS community is always such a joy.

Chris: Knowing that you are doing what you can to provide support for people who both need, and value, that support. The most amazing thing about the MS Society is the positivity about what we will achieve - there are no "ifs" and no "buts" - it's truly inspiring.

How do you manage the time needed to be a trustee with your work and personal life?

Emily: I use my volunteering days from work to do my board activities. It was nice to be able to contribute online during my maternity leave and I felt really supported by the whole board and governance team.

Bayan: I make sure I dedicate time before quarterly Board Meetings and committee meetings to read through papers.

Chris: I finished my full time executive career a few years ago and now have a portfolio of non-executive and trustee roles. Hence I am able to achieve a balance that works for me. That said, if I was still working full-time, I would absolutely want to hold this role as it is so very rewarding.

Have you learned any new skills since becoming a trustee?

Emily: Yes, I’ve learned more about financial management, audit, charity law, healthcare across the UK, and the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Bayan: Yes, I have been involved in lot of projects and decisions that I may have not been typically exposed to in my professional career.

Chris: To be honest, not really, as I've been a trustee for over 25 years. The joy is working with the MS Society and deploying the skills that I've learnt over those years.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying to join our Board?

Emily: Do it! Joining the Board has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Chris: I'd say go for it! You'll be incredibly welcome, hugely supported and will experience the best induction I have ever witnessed in the 17 businesses I've been involved with over the years. You'll be working with passionate people who are determined to stop MS and support those living with MS while we find a cure. You'll get so much out of it - provided that you put in all you can. And if that is what you want to do, I look forward to working with you!