{"id":113743,"date":"2024-08-19T14:00:26","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T14:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.frazerjones.com\/?p=113743"},"modified":"2024-12-02T11:17:43","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T11:17:43","slug":"uk-trustee-network-an-interview-with-joshna-thakrar-the-middlesex-association-for-the-blind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.frazerjones.com\/nl\/career-advice\/uk-trustee-network-an-interview-with-joshna-thakrar-the-middlesex-association-for-the-blind\/","title":{"rendered":"UK Trustee network: An interview with Joshna Thakrar, The Middlesex Association for the Blind"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What is your background and how did it lead to you wanting to become a trustee?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What attracted you to supporting Middlesex Association for the Blind?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What challenges do you foresee in this role?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cthank you\u201d email for my contribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What impact do you hope to have in the workplace and your personal development?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This experience will serve as a steppingstone towards my goal of becoming a non-executive director (NED).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What advice do you have for others who are thinking of becoming a trustee?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How was the trustee interview process?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Nick Croucher<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Managing Director | Head of UK, US and Europe<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
Germany, Ireland, UK, US<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tnickcroucher@frazerjones.com<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t+44 20 7332 2169<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Jobs<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t
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