Charles joined the board of trustees in 2023. Charles has had a long career working across a range of financial services roles in Scotland and London, 30 years of which was with Bank of Scotland (qualifying as a Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland) with the subsequent 12 years working with Clydesdale Bank (latterly became Virgin Money UK Plc).
During his time at Bank of Scotland he held a number of operational managerial and relationship management roles directly supporting bank SME and Corporate (UK and Overseas) clients, UK Government departments and the bank’s own relationships with its correspondent overseas banks. He took up a project management role at Clydesdale Bank in 2010. Charles retired from Virgin Money UK Plc in August 2022.
Why did you choose to be a Trustee with Home-Start GNNL?
I was contacted by Home-Start and then had a chat with Nikki and some others at HSGNNL. I was a little surprised but pleased when was asked if I’d consider joining as a volunteer Board member/Trustee. Having listened to the story of the charity and its work from Nikki and the others I was delighted to take up the offer and I hope I can add some benefit during my time as a Trustee.
How do you feel that you have contributed as a Trustee to the Organization?
I’ve sought to bring in to use my experience in business and administration management, governance, risk management, etc including my experience as a Project Manager, when working with other Board Trustees and staff as appropriate. It seems to me we’re fortunate as a Board in that we have a broad but complementary range of experience and skill sets and a group of individuals who work well together and of course with Nikki and her management team.
In one sentence, what would you say to other people interested in becoming a trustee?
Don’t hesitate to explore the opportunity, the charity will benefit of course which is key but you might just be surprised how much you also benefit as an individual from what can be a very rewarding experience.