Why I, Alistair Blake, became a Trustee (And why you should consider it too)

Eight years ago, I became a trustee, despite concerns I wasn’t qualified enough or have enough time. Today I chair the board.

How and why, I became a Trustee

My journey with Summit Services began in 2008. Having just finished a multimedia degree and struggling to find work the media sector, I took a receptionist position at what was then called ‘The Advocacy Service’ in Clacton, where I grew up. I didn’t know what advocacy was or have any understanding of mental health services. But I quickly fell in love with the work – largely driven by amazing mentors, the passion of the staff and witnessing first-hand the impact on people’s lives.

Over the next few years, I trained as an advocate and also used my skills in unexpected ways from developing interactive and accessible materials to running music groups and sports teams.

But I still dreamed of working in media, and in late 2011, an opportunity to work for a television company came up which I couldn’t refuse. So, I moved to London and spent the next few years doing exactly what I’d always planned.

Yet something was missing. And as I became more aware of my own mental health, I reflected on how critical Summit’s work was.

That’s when I thought about trusteeship. Despite concerns about what I could offer and whether I’d have enough time, I got in contact, went through the interview process, and was appointed to the board.

What does being a Trustee actually involve?

We meet formally every 6 weeks, with occasional sub-committee work between. Some months it’s just a few hours; others require more time when we’re navigating challenges or establishing new initiatives. But it’s manageable alongside full-time work and family.

As Trustees, we provide governance and strategic direction, ensure financial sustainability, and support the CEO and staff team. It’s not about doing day-to-day work; our excellent staff do that. It’s about acting in the best interest of our beneficiaries and ensuring the organisation can continue its mission effectively.

What Have I Learned?

In eight years as a trustee, now as Chair, I’ve seen enormous change. Leadership transitions, funding and service evolution, staff and trustees moving on. What hasn’t changed is our mission: Advocating Empowerment. Supporting Independence.

Clacton has the second-highest mental health need in the country and seven areas in Tendring are among the most deprived 10% in England. While the statistics are eye-opening, behind every statistic is a person – someone struggling to access support, someone feeling isolated, or someone simply trying to live a fulfilled and independent life. Which is why this work really matters.

What surprised me most about trusteeship is how much my perspective counts. My media and business experience has practical value, but the real contribution is diverse thinking. The board needs people who aren’t necessarily mental health professionals, people who ask different questions and represent the community we serve.

I still don’t feel I give enough time. I still sometimes question what I offer. But I’ve learned that’s okay and what really matters is showing up, having a voice, and bringing genuine commitment.

What do I get out of it?

There’s the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful work, staying connected to advocacy while pursuing my corporate career. But I’ve also developed skills in governance, strategic thinking, and leadership that I would not have gained otherwise. I’ve been part of decisions that genuinely changed outcomes for people in our community.

Why you should consider it

Tendring’s voluntary organisations need trustees. Not just people with medical, legal or financial backgrounds, but people with all kinds of experiences: project management, HR, marketing, IT, lived experience, or simply a passion for the cause and willingness to learn.

If you’re thinking you aren’t qualified or don’t have time – I thought the same. But your doubts probably mean you’re a thoughtful person who’d make a good trustee.

You don’t need to be an expert in the organisation’s field. You need to be willing to ask questions, think strategically, and commit to the mission. The time commitment, while real, is more flexible than traditional volunteering.

If you have skills from work or life, if you care about your community, if you’ve valued local services, or if you want to make tangible difference then trusteeship might be for you.

Summit Services (TMHS) has been here since 1976. Lasting this long requires embracing change, being adaptable and resilient – and that needs fresh perspectives and people willing to contribute.

I never planned to work in mental health advocacy or chair a charity board, but it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. If you’re curious about trusteeship, explore opportunities in Tendring. Reach out to organisations you care about, contact the Community Voluntary Services, or search for trustee vacancies online and ask questions.

Your community needs you, and you might be surprised by what you have to offer and what you have to gain.