Describe your role for the board:
The role involves working closely with the CEO Aydin, and having a regular meeting with him so that he can communicate where the charity is up to. My role involves chairing board meetings and AGMs as well as acting as a link between the board, CEO and SMT. I am consulted regarding major issues, I sometimes have to sign contracts and financial statements and I act as a general sounding board when needed.
How long in the role?
I have been a trustee since April 2015 and I’ve been chair for nearly 5 years.
What attracted you to the board?
I am business focused and was interested in getting involved in a different capacity in the third sector. I was asked to join the board via a trustee who introduced me to the organisation. Once I met Priscilla (former CEO) and learned about the positive work they were doing for the black and ethnic minority community, it was something I was keen to get stuck into and try and use my business experience to help the charity.
What would you like to see for BHA?
We’ve endured challenging periods for income generation and not showcasing our strengths well enough. I want BHA to be more visible. We know the good work that we do internally, but those outside the charity don’t yet know it well enough. I want us to reach into new areas beyond our current locations and become more of a fundraising charity too.
Was there anything surprising to you about BHA coming from the corporate sector?
I was pleasantly surprised the charity was so well run with good governance, a good functioning SMT, as well as learning about the passion for the organization from members of staff.
Which achievements are you proud of?
I’m proud of the continuity we achieved during the difficult period of replacing our retired CEO Priscilla, as she had big boots to fill! I am happy that with the addition of our new CEO Aydin that our charity can grow. Also I am really proud of the way that everyone has adapted so well during covid – we transitioned to a remote working model with minimal disruption and our charity continues to function well with new ways of working, as we come out of the pandemic. I am also proud of our position of being award one of the top 10 award winning charities of the 2022 UK GSK Impact Awards.