UK Trustee network: An interview with Joshna Thakrar, The Middlesex Association for the Blind

What is your background and how did it lead to you wanting to become a trustee?

My background spans commercial banking, HR and executive coaching. As a director of my own limited company, I’ve gained valuable leadership experience. This diverse skill set combined with my desire to give back to the community led me to pursue a trustee role.

What attracted you to supporting Middlesex Association for the Blind?

This charity is particularly close to my heart as both my brother and I have glaucoma. Supporting an organisation that helps those with visual impairments allows me to contribute meaningfully to a cause I deeply understand and care about.

What challenges do you foresee in this role?

While I don’t anticipate significant challenges, I recognise that each role comes with its unique demands. My experience as a company director, combined with my professional background in banking, HR and coaching, has prepared me well for the responsibilities of a trustee. After the first board meeting, the Chair and the CEO sent me a “thank you” email for my contribution.

What impact do you hope to have in the workplace and your personal development?

I aim to gain confidence in my role as a trustee and plan to take on additional trustee positions in the future. I am passionate about making an impact and understand the significant benefits a small charity can gain from the support of an HR professional.

In a short time and without direction, I have already contributed by reviewing policies and procedures, updating the website, researching apprenticeship schemes, refining the people strategy and assessing social media. I hope to make a substantial difference during my three-year term. Supporting an organisation I am inspired by is truly rewarding and I want to help them achieve more for their clients. I have learned a great deal already and will carry these lessons into both my professional and personal life.

This experience will serve as a steppingstone towards my goal of becoming a non-executive director (NED).

What advice do you have for others who are thinking of becoming a trustee?

I encourage others to pursue trustee roles. It took me a while to decide if I should a pursue a trustee role and whether they would need someone with my background and skillset. I was invited to join the Frazer Jones UK Trustee Network and kept hearing about interesting opportunities that were appealing to me – then the Middlesex Association for the Blind role was sent to my inbox and I had a lightbulb moment and knew this was something I wanted to apply for.

It’s incredibly rewarding to give back to the community. From my first board meeting, I was able to contribute meaningfully and received positive feedback from the Chair. The experience is both fulfilling and developmental.

How was the trustee interview process?

The process was smooth. After I applied, I was quickly invited for an informal meeting. Then, I had an interview with a panel and afterward, I was offered the role.

I want to thank Frazer Jones for highlighting the opportunity and for taking the time to discuss the trustee network with me. I may not have made the leap in my trustee journey otherwise and already feel a close affinity to the charity.