THE BOARD
Trustee Board

Our strategic direction as an organisation is set by our Board of Trustees.

The Trustees are from all walks of life and have many different skills that they bring to help in the CVS's development. Our Trustee Board meets bi-monthly at an Executive meeting and reviews our performance against the strategic objectives they have set. They also set the policies for the organisation to follow and have overall responsibility for the funding and legal matters of the organisation. Staff then work within this framework.

The Trustees duties are

  • To ensure the Chester-le-Street & District CVS and Volunteer Bureau complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulation.
  • To ensure that the CVS pursues its charitable objectives as defined in its governing document and applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of these objectives.
  • To safeguard the reputation of the CVS
  • To ensure effective and efficient administration and financial stability of the CVS through sub committees
  • To use any specific knowledge or experience to help the Executive Committee reach sound decisions.

Being a Charity Trustee requires time and commitment. People wishing to become charity Trustees need to think about their skills and interests and how they fit in with the charity's objectives.

Different trustees will have different skills; these could be in areas such as:

  • Finance and Fundraising
  • Business development
  • Performance management
  • Legal knowledge
  • Marketing skills
  • Local knowledge
  • Skills in planning and organisation
Who can become a Trustee?
  • Generally, you need to be over 18 to be a trustee
  • You must be legally eligible: you cannot be disqualified
  • You should be motivated
  • You should be able to manage your own affairs
  • You should be able to contribute relevant skills, experience or knowledge
  • You do not need to be a financial wizard or have management experience.
  • You may instead be very knowledgeable about the service users or local area.
Sue Parkinson
Sue Parkinson is a self employed economic development consultant, who was previously employed as the Business Development Executive for CDC Enterprise Agency for 25 years.
Sue has been awarded the Shell Enterprise Award for outstanding services to Young Enterprise, the Newcastle Chronicle & Journal - Women into the Network Award for Best Supporter of Women's Enterprises, and was runner up in the Barclays Bank National Business Advisor Award.  She holds the Institute of Personnel and Developer's Certificated Trainer Award and has City & Guilds qualifications in counselling, with specific focus on business counselling.  She is a member of County Durham Economic Partnership Board, Chairs its Business and Enterprise Working Group and serves as Vice-Chair of County Durham Tourism Partnership Ltd.
Sharon Gollan
Sharon Gollan is a self-employed consultant who has been involved in the voluntary and community sector for almost 13 years either through employment or in a volunteering capacity.  She has significant experience iun fundraising, research, grant assessment, project development and monitoringt and evaluation on a local, regional and national basis.  She has a genuine understanding of, and interest in, developing the capacity of voluntary organisations and contriubtes to this through the provision of quality advice and direct support services to the sector.  She was awarded Business of the Year by CDC Enterprise Agency inn 2008 along with her then business partner, she served on the board of Cestria Housing Association during the stock transfer from Chester-le-Street Distirct Council, where she also served as a councillor for 4 years.
Sarah Young
Sarah has worked in the voluntary sector for 10 years and currently manages Gateway Wheelers, a local charity that enables people with disabilities to enjoy cycling.  She has a Level 5 Certificate in Management from the Chartered Management Institute but more importantly is a mother of 3 children, the youngest of which has autism with severe learning disabilities.  She believes passionatley in equal rights for the most vulnerable members of our society.

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