The rewards of being a Trustee

What prompted you to apply for to be a Trustee with the CQI?

I already held trustee roles in smaller community charities, so knew I enjoyed it and fully understood the role and responsibilities. I also sat on the committee for the Next Generation Network and loved being a volunteer for the CQI. I wanted to combine my experience as a trustee with my passion for the quality profession and being advocate for young professionals at the top – so I applied.

What does the role involve?

There are the obvious tasks such as reading and digesting the papers, (the CQI team does a great job here and make this an easy part of the role), and attending meetings, including the board sub-committee.

Then there’s the less obvious stuff; for us to make informed strategic decisions as trustees, we have to understand our context and landscape. That means keeping up to date, not only with the quality profession, but other professional bodies, charity governance and any wider political context that may have an effect.

We also constantly advocate for the CQI and quality profession and often do things such as this article as well!

What professional development has this volunteer opportunity given you?

Being a trustee has helped me develop lots of skills, particularly strategic. We are always asking ourselves if what we’re doing is aligned with the purpose of the CQI, are our decisions for now as well as the future, and are they in the best interests of our members.

In my day job, it is very easy to get stuck in the operational detail, but being able to flex my strategic muscles regularly makes it much easier to use them and think strategically in other parts of my life too.

It has also helped me to discover those development paths that are honestly just not for me; this is arguably some of the most valuable experience you can get. While I understand and pay close attention to the financial aspect of being a trustee, it’s just not something that warms my heart; I won’t be switching to finance any time soon!

"Really research and understand the role, as it is our role to be a critical, strategic friend rather than an operational helper."

Rachelle Beasley CQP MCQI, Quality and Health and Safety Manager at WEPA

What was your journey into quality?

Like all my best life decisions, it was driven by the offer of free food – in the form of attending an internal audit course! I loved it, forced my way into the quality department and found a place where I could use my skills as an engineer and my drive for people-focused improvement.

I went on to do lots of other courses – including an MSc in Quality Management – gaining experience in several different industries in manufacturing. I love what I do and am excited to see where the rest of my quality journey will take me.

When and why did you decide to join the CQI?

At the very start of my career when I was new to quality and looking for a network and a place to learn, I found the CQI; it seemed like the obvious place to start. I found my people in the Next Generation Network and learned so much from the branch events. I never looked back.

What advice would you give to others who might be considering volunteering as a Trustee?

Really research and understand the role, as it is our role to be a critical, strategic friend rather than an operational helper. Get to know your charity governance, the finances, and understand the legal obligations.

I found it helpful that I was already doing the role for other organisations – so reach out to some local charities to gain some experience. There are so many charities that need support and, as quality professionals, we have a good overlap with the skills of a charity trustee. You’ll be great asset and also find out if it is the role for you.