Here at Healthwatch Essex, we have seven trustees who meet bi-monthly and play a vital role in making sure that our organisation achieves its core purpose. They act as ambassadors for Healthwatch Essex, as well as overseeing the overall direction, governance and sustainability of the charity.
We caught up with our newest trustee, Dinesh, who joined us early this year to find out why he became a trustee with us, what he has gained from his role and his advice for anyone who may interested in becoming a Healthwatch Essex trustee.
What made you want to become a trustee at Healthwatch Essex?
I’ve always done a little bit of community and voluntary work from an early age so when I found out about Healthwatch Essex and the work it was doing, I thought it was important for me to get involved and use my experience to support the charity. I have nearly 25 years’ experience in healthcare, working in different roles and working my way up to director’s level. After speaking to Neil, the Vice Chair, I was reassured that I had the experience that could be valuable to support Healthwatch Essex in that next growth phase.
Why did you choose Healthwatch Essex over becoming a trustee at another organisation?
With Healthwatch Essex, it is mainly because of the level of engagement, I saw from afar some of the work that was being done in the local community and in partnership with other organisations. The initial conversation I had with other members of the board before my appointment gave me a better understanding and appreciation of the work being carried out. Over the years, I’ve seen that slow decline in terms of resources that in turn reduce the support and services provided to the local community. I think that’s what made me want to try and do something about it and make a difference in my own way.
What would you say you’ve brought to the trustee role?
I have worked in the care industry, in the NHS and the private sector as well, so I am
bringing that experience and understanding of those sections of healthcare. I also have a network of other professionals who I call upon and can support in different ways and with different projects, for example with the brand new Healthwatch Essex van. I have worked with the vehicle providers before on other projects, and they were happy to support delivering a bespoke van for our purposes and working to our budget. I look forward to supporting other projects that we know will support the local community.
What do you think you have gained from being in this trustee role?
It has opened my eyes to the level of work that Healthwatch Essex is doing, the level of support that is provided to every section of the community and also understanding the working relationship with other community and charitable organisations. It has made me learn a lot more about what’s going on in the community in Essex and how much I didn’t know before about what goes on in the community and how much community and charitable organisations are doing to plug gaps where the government is unavailable or has been cut.
What’s been your favourite part of being a trustee?
I have really enjoyed getting to know about the Fella’s Fairs and how these events show which organisations within just Essex are providing that support for men’s mental health, it’s quite refreshing. I was also humbled to be invited to the launch of the Trauma Exhibition at the Minories Gallery where I had a chance to speak to two of the exhibitors and hear first-hand about their experiences and how that translated into their art pieces. Above all, for me it is understanding the amazing work that Healthwatch Essex is doing within the community and to support local people. For me it has been an eye opener and make me feel proud to be a part of it.
What advice would you give to someone who may be interested in becoming a trustee with Healthwatch Essex?
I would say if someone were interested, do get in contact to start off with and find out about the amazing work that Healthwatch Essex is doing. They may feel that they can help or can support, and it won’t just be Healthwatch Essex that they are supporting, they are also supporting the people and the communities that the Healthwatch Essex helps. If people want to get in touch with me and find out more, I’m happy to talk to them as well.
Further Information
To find our more information on our trustee role and how you can get involved, please contact our Chair of Trustees, Amanda Cherry, on [email protected].
Watch this YouTube video or read our Recruitment Pack to find out more about what our trustees get up to.