When did you join Launchpad as a trustee?
I joined as a trustee in September 2015 and am now co vice-chair.
What made you decide to do this?
I volunteered in a community hub cooking and serving hot meals while I was at university in Lancaster and met a lot of people struggling with homelessness during that time.
I have studied psychology and criminology and always had a passion for social justice.
I moved to Reading when I was 21 and I love where I live! A big part of this for me, is being involved in my local community.
A lot of my core values are aligned with the work of Launchpad and I enjoy spending my time in voluntary roles where I can add value.
What is your day job?
I work in the public sector with a focus on public protection and the rehabilitation of ex-offenders.
How does your experience in your current job, or previous jobs, help you in this role?
A lot of the people I have come into contact with through my job have experience of trauma and there are lots of similarities with some of the people that access Launchpad services.
I have worked in both the charitable sector and also had roles in commissioning services, so I have a good understanding of the context Launchpad is operating within and funding streams.
I have specialisms working with women in the criminal justice system, supporting individuals with addictions and strategic safeguarding, as well as having been a manager of large operational teams for over a decade.
I believe a lot of my work-related experience is applicable to my current role with Launchpad as a Trustee. Homelessness is a complex issue and I’m lucky to have a good understanding of the landscape due to my profession. My current job helps me to stay in touch with research findings and evidence of what is effective and also social policy changes and how they may impact on the work of Launchpad.
How much time do you spend on being a trustee?
It varies, usually a couple of hours each month but dependent on what is needed by Launchpad at the time.
I am always happy to offer extra time if it is needed as I understand that the role of a Trustee is not just to be part of a Board making key decisions, but to offer skills, expertise and support at the right time.
How important is this voluntary role within your life?
Very important! I love being part of Launchpad and seeing the real impact on our local community.
I believe I was born to be of public service and my professional role alongside my voluntary roles, are a key part of my identity.
I feel very honoured and privileged to be a trustee with Launchpad and I am grateful that I am afforded lots of opportunities to talk to people about the great work we do!
What do you think Launchpad is doing well?
Launchpad is doing a brilliant job delivering several elements we need in a healthy community. Offering decent quality accommodation and support to people who need it is absolutely essential and our core business, but I am also very proud of the work of the 135 skills and work centre which is developing really strong networks locally and creating a safe space for people to grow. We need to work in partnership with other organisations and community groups if we are to achieve our core aims and I see how effective Launchpad is in this space. Empowering and enabling people to develop themselves and their support networks is absolutely central to what Launchpad offers and I believe the teams are doing a fantastic job of this!
Are there other where you think the charity could be doing better, or tackling things differently?
There have been some huge achievements recently including securing new properties for the move-on pathway and some new contracts for delivering core services.
We will be developing our 24hr service provision and specialist work with women which is absolutely the direction I was hoping we would move in.
So, whilst I think we’re ready for the period of growth, we also have a lot to develop and I’m really excited about this and the future of Launchpad!