What does becoming a charity trustee teach you about the people behind a cause? For Paul Laird, director of operations at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) and trustee of Hope GB, an autism charity based in Cwmbran, South Wales, it's been an opportunity to support his local community while gaining a deeper understanding of charity governance, decision-making and fundraising. As part of Trustees’ Week 2026, Paul shares what inspired him to become a trustee, the lessons he's learned and why more fundraisers should consider taking on the role.
Paul, how did you first get involved with Hope GB, and what made you want to become a trustee?
"I was invited to think about becoming a trustee after attending a Hope GB event. I was really struck by what the charity does and the difference it makes to autistic people and their families. I’ve worked in the charity sector for years, so I felt I had something useful to offer. For me, it’s about supporting a cause I care about and hopefully making a positive difference locally."
Has being a trustee changed how you think about the decisions charities have to make?
"It’s made me appreciate just how much responsibility trustees have, particularly when you’re making decisions that affect the future of a charity and the people who depend on it.
"At Hope GB, we’re looking at some big opportunities for the future, but there’s no simple answer to getting things right. You have to weigh up different perspectives, be prepared to challenge your own ideas and sometimes make difficult decisions.
"It’s given me a real appreciation of just how much thought goes into these decisions, and how important it is to get them right."
What's something your experience at Hope GB has taught you about connecting people with a cause?
"I think it’s about always keeping sight of the people behind the cause. Being a trustee at Hope GB has really brought home to me the difference a charity can make to people’s lives and the importance of understanding their experiences. There’s something really powerful about helping supporters connect with that too.
"When people understand the difference their support makes, it gives fundraising a much more personal feel and helps build those longer-term relationships that are so important."
When a charity is planning for the future, why does it matter to have trustees, leaders and fundraisers involved in the conversation?
"Because we all see things from a different angle, and you need those different perspectives.
"Trustees can challenge and look at the bigger picture, charity leaders know what’s happening on the ground, and fundraising teams understand supporters and where the opportunities are. At Hope GB, for example, we’re looking at how we can develop the charity and reach more people, while making sure we’re taking the right decisions for its future.
"Those conversations work best when everyone is involved and can be honest about the opportunities and the risks."
Finally, what would you say to a fundraiser who's interested in trusteeship but isn't sure what to expect?
I’d say, go for it! You don’t need to know everything about being a trustee before you start, and your fundraising experience will be useful. You’ll learn a lot along the way. Just be prepared to look beyond fundraising and think about the charity as a whole, including the difficult decisions that come with that. I’ve found it really rewarding, and it’s given me a different perspective on the sector while allowing me to use my experience to support a cause I care about.
Paul's experience shows how trusteeship can offer a different perspective on the charity sector, from understanding the responsibility behind important decisions to seeing the difference a charity makes in its community.
It's also a reminder of the value of bringing different voices into the conversation. When trustees, leaders and fundraisers share their knowledge and listen to each other, they can make more informed decisions about the future of their organisations.
We're sharing the experiences of CIOF colleagues who volunteer as trustees, exploring what they've learned and what others might take from their experiences.
Explore more stories from our Trustees, staff and wider sector.
