Outgoing trustee Liz Roberts is leaving our board after 5 years of dedicated service to Jacari. We asked Liz some questions about her experience of being a trustee.

When did you become a trustee?

I joined Jacari as a Trustee in 2019.

How did you find out about Jacari?
I responded to an advert. I had been looking for a volunteering opportunity and  had heard about the great work that Jacari was doing. With a background working in the refugee sector, I was aware of how important it was to be able to offer free English language support to children and young people from refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant communities. The support provided by volunteers is also invaluable in not only supporting children and young people with their language skills but also in supporting them to have fun whilst doing this and feel included in the wider community. I felt that I had relevant knowledge and experience to contribute to the role whist it also gave me the opportunity to learn and develop both personally and professionally.  I have found the experience hugely rewarding.

Tell us about the role you had on the board and what it involved.
As a Trustee I have been involved in ensuring that what we do is in line with Jacari's mission and vision. I have supported the team with their work and the organisation with it's strategic direction. My role has been varied - not only attending quarterly Board Meetings, but being involved in sub committees focused on specific areas. I have supported the team around strategic oversight, governance, leadership, operations, organisational policies and procedures, and volunteer management. I have also acted as a sounding board for the Charity Manager providing them with a safe space to reflect on their work. Being a Trustee of a small charity with a small staff team has also meant having to take a more 'hands on' approach. As a result I have been involved with several rounds of recruitment for new staff. I have committed a couple of hours a week to my role.  

What changes in the organisation did you see during your time on the board?
The organisation has grown from strength to strength. A great deal of work has been done on the strategic vision and the organisation now has a clear strategic plan and reporting structure. There are also clear structures and processes in place for the organisation, staff and volunteers and new opportunities for internships. In addition, Jacari has secured a fundraiser and achieved many fundraising successes, as well as developing the alumni network. During my time on the board, Jacari also weathered the Covid pandemic, moving to online tuition and then successfully returning to face-to-face tuition. Since then we've also held some brilliant end of year celebrations and improved how we share our impact. One really exciting change is the development of the peer tuition programme, which gave Jacari a new way of supporting young people at secondary schools and the opportunity to work with sixth former volunteers.

Jacari benefitted greatly from your dedication and expertise while you were on the board of trustees. What did you get from the experience?

I have met some amazing people from different backgrounds and sectors and learnt something from each and every one of them. I have been privileged to have worked alongside such a passionate and committed team doing work that we all believe in. I never cease to be amazed by what everyone continues to achieve, particularly as a small staff team with limited resources. The passion, energy and enthusiasm is infectious. It has given me a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

I have felt recognised and valued for my contributions whilst also gaining lots of skills, knowledge and experience. I have enjoyed being a part of Jacari's journey and will continue to be involved albeit in a different role.

Thank you Liz for everything you've done to support Jacari over the past five years!