7 years that changed me: lessons from trustee life

 

When I first joined the board of the Counselling & Family Centre around seven years ago, I wasn’t stepping away from the legal world, I was stepping further into it, in a different way. As a practicing solicitor, I’d always seen my role as one of service. Becoming a CFC trustee simply widened the lens.

 
Working alongside fellow trustees and dedicated staff, I found myself immersed in a space where compassion met strategy, where lived experience and professional expertise came together to make mental health support more accessible and effective.

Early in my tenure, my legal knowledge found an immediate home. Renegotiating our lease terms may not have been the most glamorous task, but it delivered real impact. We freed up vital funds, redirected resources, and created breathing room for the people who mattered most, our clients.

The biggest challenge came with our merger with a charity in Bury. It wasn’t just about paperwork or governance; it was about preserving identities, combining visions, and building trust. Supporting that journey reminded me that collaboration, when approached with patience and care, can be one of the most powerful tools for change.

I also took pride in being a connector. Trustees often brought energy, insight, and leadership, but not always access to specialist advice. Through my contacts in the legal sector, I helped open doors, create new support networks, and build bridges that strengthened our board and our mission.

Like any good board, we had our share of strategy days and spirited meetings, some truly transformative, others powered mainly by biscuits. Over the years, I’ve become adept at navigating the occasional clash of strong opinions and passionate perspectives. It turns out that a well-stocked snack table can soften even the most stubborn stance, and that strategic breakthroughs often arrive somewhere between the third custard cream and an inspired post-it note scribble. Beneath the different styles and sometimes lively debates, what united us was a shared commitment to making a real difference, and it was in those moments of alignment that the best ideas took flight.

Now, as I retire from this trustee role and continue in my legal career, I carry the experience with me every day. It’s shaped how I approach problems, how I value relationships, and how I define meaningful impact. Serving on the CFC board of trustees has reminded me that professional skills, when offered generously, can help organisations thrive.

As I step away, I do so with tremendous confidence in the charity’s future. Working alongside CEO Jo Allen has been a privilege—her vision, warmth, and tireless energy have touched every part of this organisation and inspired me personally more times than I can count. With Jo’s leadership and our vibrant, committed board, I’m leaving knowing the charity is in exceptionally capable hands, ready for whatever lies ahead.

To anyone juggling a career and wondering if you have time to volunteer: you do. And more than that, your knowledge might be exactly what a charity needs to flourish. Trusteeship isn’t just about governance: it’s about purpose, perspective, and putting your expertise to work in a way that changes lives.

Stepping down from this chapter is bittersweet, but I'm grateful for every moment. The challenges were real, but the rewards were greater. And I’ll always be glad I said yes.

 

Anna Lowe 
27 July 2025